Two personal security officers (PSOs) assigned to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti were suspended on Monday, a day after she visited the home of Makhan Din, a Gujjar youth from Kathua who allegedly took his own life following police torture over suspected terror links.
Iltija’s visit came shortly after she claimed that both she and her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, were placed under house arrest in Srinagar to prevent them from traveling to Kathua.
Makhan Din’s Death and Probes
Makhan Din, 25, from Bilawar, consumed insecticide at his home last Tuesday, leaving behind a video in which he denied any connection to terrorists and claimed innocence. His death has triggered separate investigations by both the police and local administration.
Mehbooba Mufti Slams PSO Suspensions
Reacting to the suspensions, Mehbooba Mufti criticized the administration for acting swiftly against Iltija’s security personnel while no action had been taken against those allegedly responsible for Makhan Din’s death.
“Ironic and unfair that Iltija’s two PSOs have been suspended for no fault of their own. They were punished simply because Iltija managed to reach Kathua despite being confined to her home like a criminal,” Mehbooba wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
She also referenced the recent killing of civilian truck driver Waseem Mir in Sopore, who was shot dead for allegedly not stopping for a security check, stating that no action had been taken against those responsible.
Iltija Mufti Criticizes Government’s Actions
Addressing the media, Iltija Mufti questioned the government’s double standards in taking swift action against her PSOs while failing to hold accountable those involved in alleged misconduct.
“It took just 30 minutes to suspend my PSOs. Yet, there has been no action against the Bilawar Station House Officer, who is running an extortion racket, or the soldiers who shot at the truck driver in Sopore,” she alleged.
Sources By Agencies