PDP expresses concern over ‘atmosphere of fear’, ‘July 13 Martyrs’ Day curbs’ in J&K

The Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday expressed “serious concern” over what it described as “the continuing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir ”.

At a meeting of the party’s core committee, chaired by president Mehbooba Mufti, a PDP spokesman said, “Members noted that the persistent culture of raids, repeated searches and coercive measures has cast a shadow over normal civic life, creating a widespread sense of harassment and insecurity among ordinary citizens. The leadership observed that a democratic society cannot flourish where people continue to live under an environment of constant apprehension.”

The spokesman said an in-depth discussion on the “unending trauma being faced by hundreds of families whose loved ones continue to languish in jails for prolonged periods, often without timely conclusion of trials, was held”.