Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday asked the authorities not to impose “collective punishment” on the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the Delhi blast, saying only those found guilty should be punished, not an entire population.
“Don’t give collective punishment to all Kashmiris. If anyone did wrong, give them punishment but don’t treat all equally. Those responsible for the Delhi blast should be punished,” Mehbooba told reporters after visiting the residence of late Inspector Israr Ahmad Shah in Kupwara.
Inspector Shah, an officer of the State Investigation Agency (SIA), was among those killed in the accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Calling the Nowgam blast one of the most tragic incidents in recent times, the PDP chief according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), said the government owes an explanation to the families of the victims and to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We need answers about the Nowgam police station blast — how it happened, why it happened and who will be held accountable,” she said. “Those who were killed should be taken care of by the government.
Their families must not be left alone to suffer.” (KINS)
