J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha reviews Amarnath security, Mehbooba warns against war, Mirwaiz slams arrests

SRINAGAR: J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha chaired Tuesday a Unified Headquarters meeting at Raj Bhawan to review Union territory’s security situation and preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra, while PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq voiced concerns over widespread civilian arrests in crackdown against terrorism.

Congratulating forces for Operation Sindoor, Sinha urged security agencies to intensify intelligence-led actions to neutralise terrorists and dismantle support networks.

The meeting was attended by Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, chief secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, senior Army and IAF officers, intelligence heads, and CEO of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board Mandeep K Bhandari. Sinha directed all security arms to ensure safe conduct of the pilgrimage from July 3 to Aug 9.

Former CM Mehbooba Mufti countered the narrative of military success, citing civilian casualties and destroyed homes. “I would rather speak about the losses — the deaths of children, elderly, and the destruction of homes,” she told reporters in Srinagar. “War is not an option, not even the last option. Learn from Vajpayee-ji’s approach, who said Kashmir must be resolved within the ambit of humanity.”

Mehbooba demanded that border villages hit by Pakistani shelling be declared “war-impacted regions,” with Rs 50 lakh compensation for each house, job support to families of those killed, and rehabilitation on war footing. “It is heartbreaking to see people ask for bunkers instead of schools and hospitals,” she said.

Hurriyat’s Mirwaiz criticised detentions under Public Safety Act, urging elected representatives to speak up. “Youth are being targeted. Repeated arrests of Kashmiris — many who have already served sentences — serve no justice,” he said.

Mirwaiz’s comments followed Srinagar police’s announcement that 23 alleged terrorist associates were detained under PSA. Those held have been shifted to jails in Poonch, Udhampur, and Kot Bhalwal. Critics, including rights groups, have long called the law draconian and misused.