Srinagar, Apr 2 — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday urged youth to join mainstream politics, citing risks faced by young people amid allegations surrounding a recent encounter in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
“There was an encounter in Arhama in which a 29-year-old local youth, Rashid Mughal, was killed. There are allegations that it was a fake encounter,” Mehbooba told reporters. “The Army first said he was a foreign militant, then they said he was a local linked to militancy.”
She claimed the deceased was an orphan who ran an NGO and alleged that the body was not handed over to the family. “Even his body was not handed over to the family… He was buried in Baramulla. This is what is happening with our youth,” the former chief minister said.
Calling for greater political participation, Mehbooba said: “The youth must come forward, as it is they who are facing maximum difficulties. They must join mainstream politics and secure their place among the people through municipal, panchayat or Assembly elections.”
She added that more youth joining the PDP would strengthen “the voice of the people,” and described the induction of National Conference leader Muneeb Deva into the party as a “good omen.”
According to reports, the family of the deceased said he ran a small establishment assisting villagers with bank loan applications and government scheme documentation.
The allegations surfaced alongside a major police reshuffle ordered by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, transferring 82 officials, including Ganderbal SSP Khalil Ahmad Poswal. Poswal, who is due to retire on April 30, has been posted as commandant of the 12th India Reserve Battalion, while 2016-batch IPS officer Sudhanshu Dhama has taken over as SSP Ganderbal.