In occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Modi-led Indian regime has invoked draconian laws, Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), against five innocent Kashmiris in Kishtwar district over protest against the exploitation of local water resources by the India-based National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

According to a Kashmir Media Service report today, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti in a statement in Srinagar expressed deep concern over the use of these draconian laws, condemning the move as an excessive response to peaceful dissent. She urged the newly elected setup to take immediate action to prevent arbitrary use of such laws against civilians.

In a social media post, Mufti stated, ‘People across J and K for the last 5 years have been booked under draconian laws like PSA and UAPA on trivial charges…This is shocking because people have high expectations from the newly elected government.’

She criticized the use of these stringent laws for ‘trivial charges.’ She urged the new setup to investigate the matter immediately to prevent arbitrary application of such draconian laws against citizens voicing genuine concerns. Interestingly, the authorities defended the slapping of PSA, stating the protesting youth posed a threat to public order.

Additionally, the District Magistrate Kishtwar has ordered close monitoring of 22 other locals for what he said obstructing key Indian projects in the area.