PDP expresses concern over ‘atmosphere of fear’, ‘curbs on July 13 Martyrs’ Day’ in J&K

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti. File | Photo credit: ANI

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday expressed “serious concern” over what it described as the “continued atmosphere of fear and insecurity prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir”.

At a meeting of the party’s core committee chaired by President Mehbooba Mufti, a PDP spokesperson said: “Members noted that the persistent culture of raids, repeated searches and enforcement measures casts a shadow over normal civic life and creates a widespread sense of harassment and insecurity among ordinary citizens. The leadership noted that a democratic society cannot flourish where people cannot continue to flourish in a constant environment.”

A spokesman said there was an in-depth discussion about the “endless trauma faced by hundreds of families whose loved ones continue to languish in prison for long periods of time, often without the timely conclusion of trials”.

“In several cases, even after the courts have granted bail, new cases are registered, leading to continued imprisonment. Such practices, the Committee said, further alienate the public and raise serious questions about the credibility of the institutions that people expect to protect their constitutional and legal rights,” the spokesperson said.

The committee also condemned the restrictions imposed on the observance of the 13th July Martyrs’ Day.

“It is deeply unfortunate and incompatible with democratic values. While the entire nation rightly remembers those who fought against autocratic and colonial rule, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are repeatedly prevented from paying tribute to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, who laid down their lives fighting against autocratic rule, moments in other parts of the country that were erased many years ago by similar movements.” orders, barricades or restrictions,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, citing the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and traffic restrictions, the PDP has also decided to celebrate its Foundation Day on July 28 through district-level conventions in Jammu and Kashmir instead of a central rally.

Published – 12 Jul 2026 17:39 IST