SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in the region, following claims by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti regarding the treatment of non-local labourers in the aftermath of a recent militant attack.
Mufti had voiced concerns over reports suggesting that non-local construction labourers were being pressured to leave the Kashmir, particularly following the brutal attack at a tunnel construction site in Gagangir, Sonamarg, which resulted in the death of seven people, including a doctor and six workers. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mufti warned that such actions would generate further panic and tarnish the image of the region, which had recently experienced peaceful, terror-free elections.
“After the barbaric attack at Sonamarg, there are reports that the local administration is pressurising non-local labourers to leave the valley immediately. While I understand their obvious sense of panic, asking them to leave in this manner is not a solution. This knee-jerk reaction will only send a negative message to the rest of the country,” Mufti said in her tweet.
She also expressed concern that such a move could provoke hostility towards Kashmiris working or studying in other parts of India. Mufti appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene, ensuring the labourers are given ample time to leave safely if they choose to do so.
In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Ganderbal issued a strong rebuttal, describing the reports as “completely baseless” and reassured the public that no such directives had been issued by the administration.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Range, VK Birdi, released a statement in which he emphasised the ongoing efforts to maintain a secure environment for all individuals, including non-local labourers who are working in the region.
“Social media reports claiming that the local administration has asked non-local workers to leave the valley are false. The Jammu and Kashmir Police is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals pursuing their livelihoods here, free from fear or intimidation,” Birdi said. “We urge the public not to believe such unverified information circulating on social media platforms.”
The police also reminded the public of the significant steps taken to safeguard all residents and labourers in the area, particularly following the attack in Gagangir. Despite heightened security concerns, officials have assured that labourers will not face undue pressure or threats from the administration, and efforts to maintain peace and calm are ongoing.
The incident in Sonamarg has caused a wave of concern throughout the region, particularly as Jammu and Kashmir has been striving to project an image of stability after the conclusion of peaceful elections. The attack, which took place at a tunnel-construction site on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, shocked local communities and heightened fears of further violence. However, authorities have since reassured the public that stringent measures are being taken to ensure the safety of workers.
