Mehbooba Mufti Welcomes J&K Rail Link, Urges Release of Detainees Post-Pahalgam Incident

By A Staff Reporter

Srinagar, June 4, 2025 — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the project's completion "commendable" and a "matter of happiness" for the people of Kashmir.

Speaking to the press, Mufti recalled the long and challenging history of the project, stating, “Work on this train project has been ongoing for the past 40–45 years. It was initiated by Mrs. Indira Gandhi in 1983 with the Jammu–Udhampur railway line. Since then, successive governments have contributed, and Prime Minister Modi has now completed it.”

While acknowledging PM Modi's gesture of appreciating the resilience of Kashmiris in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Mufti highlighted the plight of locals detained in its wake. “I am especially glad that PM Modi acknowledged the people of Kashmir after the deadly attack in Pahalgam, and even appreciated Adil Shah, the pony ride operator who died trying to save a tourist. That is the true spirit of Kashmir,” she said.

However, Mufti raised serious concerns about the mass arrests that followed the attack. “Thousands of people were arrested. While many have been released, around 200 people have reportedly been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Some of them had already served sentences in the past.”

Making a heartfelt appeal, she urged the Centre, the J&K administration, and the Lieutenant Governor to reconsider these detentions. “When the Prime Minister has praised the peace-loving nature of Kashmiris, then on the occasion of Eid, those without serious charges should be released. Those arrested on mere suspicion should be shown leniency, and those jailed outside the Valley must be brought back,” Mufti said.