Should HM Amit Shah Provide Financial Support to Poniwalas Ahead of Amarnath Yatra?

Srinagar, May 5 (NationPress) Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and president of the PDP, visited Pahalgam on Monday to engage with locals and tourists in the wake of the terror attack on April 22. She has called upon Union Home Minister Amit Shah to offer financial assistance to the Poniwalas ahead of the Amarnath Yatra.

“In light of the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, it is essential for Home Minister Amit Shah to provide financial backing to the Poniwalas, who are vital in facilitating this pilgrimage. The Central government should also consider waiving the interest on loans taken by hoteliers, taxi drivers, and others who rely on tourism for their livelihoods during this financial year,” she stated.

Mehbooba expressed deep concern for the livelihoods affected by ongoing instability and crackdowns, insisting that the community should not bear the burden of these hardships.

“These sectors are fundamental to the economy of Pahalgam and have been under significant strain due to continuous disruptions. The government must act with fairness and empathy, rather than fear and suspicion, especially as the people of Kashmir have stood united against the Pahalgam terror attack,” she asserted.

She emphasized that the indiscriminate punishment of innocent civilians is not the appropriate response of a democratic society to such tragedies.

“While accountability and security are necessary, we must also respect the dignity of innocent people. It is alarming to hear reports of civilians who voluntarily came forward to assist the investigation being labeled as OGWs and returning home in body bags,” she remarked.

Mehbooba further pointed out that these individuals were merely ordinary citizens without any political or militant ties, striving to cooperate in good faith.

“A thorough and transparent investigation must commence immediately, and the government should provide urgent financial aid to the families of those affected, who are struggling in dire poverty,” she added.

She condemned the brutal terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam that left the entire region in mourning, insisting that those responsible must face the strongest consequences.

“The people of Kashmir have united in their condemnation of this horrific attack. However, the treatment of local civilians, including shawl vendors, Poniwalas, tea sellers, and others simply trying to earn a living, has been deeply troubling,” she commented.

Mehbooba noted that security forces have been rounding up locals and detaining them for hours, often without food, only to summon them again for further questioning, despite no indications of wrongdoing.

She highlighted that this blanket criminalization of the local population only serves to alienate them, fostering resentment and distrust.