Did Mehbooba Mufti Accuse Police of Preventing Women's Protest in J&K's Srinagar?
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Synopsis
Mehbooba Mufti has accused the Jammu and Kashmir Police of obstructing a peaceful women's protest against soaring electric power tariffs, labeling it a violation of democratic rights. The protest comes amid rising anger over a proposed 20% tariff increase. This contentious issue raises questions about civil liberties and governance in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti claims police obstructed a peaceful protest.
- Proposed electric power tariff increase is 20%.
- The protest highlights ongoing issues of civil rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Political leaders criticize the tariff hike as a breach of promises.
- No official statement regarding the tariff increase has been issued.
Srinagar, Nov 24 (NationPress) - Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claimed on Monday that police had barred women from staging a peaceful protest against the increasing electric power tariffs, which she deemed an assault on the democratic rights of the people.
In a post on her official X account, Mufti expressed, "The Jammu and Kashmir Police halting the PDP's Women Wing from conducting a peaceful demonstration against the soaring power tariffs is yet another instance of the ongoing attack on our democratic freedoms since 2019."
"When even the most peaceful voices are suppressed under the guise of maintaining law and order, it sends a chilling signal that our suffering is inconsequential, our rights are negotiable, and that raising our voices now comes with an undue price."
"This relentless silencing is cornering the people of Kashmir, stifling our aspirations, and even our fundamental need to be heard. Such unyielding suppression inflicts lasting scars on an entire community and cultivates an overwhelming atmosphere of collective punishment."
The reported 20% hike in electric power tariffs during peak hours has sparked severe backlash from both the public and political leaders.
Sunil Sharma, a BJP leader and the Leader of the Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, remarked that the tariff increase represents yet another violation of the electoral commitments made by the National Conference (NC) government.
Interestingly, while it is widely believed that the increase in peak hour electric power tariffs was mandated by the Omar Abdullah government, NC Spokesperson and MLA, Tanvir Sadiq, asserted that the Chief Minister would never allow such a burden on the common man.
Sadiq stated on X, "The Omar Abdullah-led government has already taken a firm position against the proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge."
"During a harsh Kashmiri winter, electricity is a necessity, not a luxury. The Omar Abdullah-led government will not permit the people of Jammu and Kashmir to bear the weight of such an unfair and poorly timed proposal."
However, there has been no official confirmation regarding either the proposed 20% increase in electric power tariffs or the retraction of any such proposal.
Point of View
The events unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir highlight a significant struggle for democratic rights and civil liberties in a region that has long been marked by political tension. Mehbooba Mufti's claims of police interference in peaceful protests reflect deeper issues regarding governance and citizen engagement. It is essential to monitor how these developments will affect the political climate and public sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mehbooba Mufti allege about police actions?
Mehbooba Mufti alleged that the Jammu and Kashmir Police prevented a peaceful women's protest against rising electric power tariffs, which she viewed as an assault on democratic rights.
What is the proposed increase in electric power tariffs?
The proposed electric power tariff increase is reported to be 20% during peak hours.
How did political leaders respond to the tariff increase?
Political leaders, including BJP leader Sunil Sharma, criticized the tariff increase as a breach of electoral promises made by the National Conference government.
Is there any official statement regarding the tariff increase?
As of now, there is no official statement on either the proposed increase in electric power tariffs or the withdrawal of any such proposal.
What are the implications of these events for Jammu and Kashmir?
These events raise serious concerns about civil liberties, democratic engagement, and the governance of public utilities in Jammu and Kashmir.
