Disruptive forces exacerbating communal tensions in Kathua: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that disruptive forces, both locally and across the border, might be exacerbating communal tensions in the sensitive border district of Kathua.

Her remarks came a day after the bodies of three people, including a minor, were found in a river in Kathua’s Malhar area. The three individuals—Darshan Singh (40), Yogesh Singh (32), and Varun Singh (15)—had been missing since Thursday, when they were traveling with a wedding procession near the Ishu forests.

Earlier, two other civilians, Shamsher (37) and Roshan (45), were discovered dead on February 16 in Kohag village, Billawar, after they went to collect firewood. The cause of their deaths remains unclear.

Additionally, on February 6, a Gujjar youth, Makhan Din, took his own life hours after alleging torture in police custody in the same district.

In response to the continuing fatalities in Kathua, Mufti described the situation as deeply alarming.

“In a short span of time nearly a dozen people from both the Muslim & Hindu communities have lost their lives. Five of them were allegedly chased by police and cow vigilantes which led to fatal accidents,” she posted on X.

“Subsequently the bodies of two members of Hindu community were discovered followed by three more yesterday including the heartbreaking case of a fourteen year old. Tragically, while the police seem more focused on extracting false confessions from victims like Makhan Din the real perpetrators are still at large,” the former Chief Minister said.

Mufti also highlighted that around 30 individuals have been charged under the Public Safety Act or the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), often with little or no evidence.

“There are indications that certain disruptive elements possibly operating both within & across the border maybe stoking communal tensions in this sensitive border district. The authorities must act swiftly yet judiciously to identity and bring the true culprits to justice ensuring that peace and communal harmony is maintained,” Mehbooba added.