Srinagar, Apr 2: Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday claimed that allegations are being raised that the recent encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, in which a local terrorist was gunned down, was “fake”.
The Army on Wednesday said that a local terrorist, Rashid Ahmad Mughal from the Lar area of the district in central Kashmir, was killed in an overnight encounter in the Arahama area.
Speaking to reporters here, Mehbooba said, “There was an encounter in Arhama in which a 29-year-old local youth, Rashid Mughal, was killed. There are allegations that it was a fake encounter. The Army first said he was a foreign militant, then they said he was a local linked to militancy.”
The PDP chief then claimed that Rashid was an orphan who ran an NGO.
“Even his body was not handed over to the family… He was buried in Baramulla. This is what is happening with our youth,” the former J-K chief minister said.
She also called upon the youth to come forward and join politics, citing National Conference leader Muneeb Deva joining the PDP as a “good omen”.
“The youth must come forward, as it is they who are facing maximum difficulties. They must join mainstream politics and secure their place among the people through municipal, panchayat or Assembly elections. If more youth join the PDP, the voice of the people will get stronger,” Mehbooba said.
The PDP chief also accused the National Conference (NC) government of being pro-rich and acting against the poor.
“We had brought a Bill on land rights to regularise the occupation of poor people living on government land. But this government termed the poor land grabbers. It is acting against the poor.
“We also demanded that the lease period of the hoteliers be extended. I am happy that this will be done because they are also our people. Having said that, the government should have thought about the poor as well,” Mehbooba said.
She also claimed that the government would “enact a drama” in the Assembly by bringing a resolution to seek the return of power projects.
“However, a few days ago, (Chief Minister) Omar Abdullah himself handed over two new power projects to the NHPC.
“So, people should understand how this party is betraying them. It sought votes from the poor to safeguard their rights, but it is not doing so. Rather, the NC has become a party for the rich,” Mehbooba alleged.
