"Make clear distinction between terrorists, innocent civilians": PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urges Centre

New Delhi [India], April 27 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday urged the central government to exercise caution following the recent Pahalgam attack and make a "clear distinction" between terrorists and innocent civilians.
Mufti said that the Centre should ensure that innocent people do not suffer the consequences of the terror attack and should not be "alienated" as it would only fuel the fear and divisive agenda of terrorists.
The PDP leader claimed that common Kashmiris were being arrested and their homes were being demolished, and urged for their protection.
In a post on X, the PDP leader said, "The Indian government must tread carefully after the recent Pahalgam attack and make a clear distinction between terrorists and civilians. The government should not alienate innocent people, especially those who are against terrorism. Thousands of people have reportedly been arrested, and many homes of ordinary Kashmiris have been demolished along with the homes of militants."
"The government is urged to direct the authorities to ensure that innocent people do not suffer the consequences, as alienating the common people only fuels the fear and divisive agenda of terrorists," read her post on X.
Earlier on April 23, the PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti joined the protest in Srinagar, holding a placard that read, "This is an attack on all of us."
She expressed remorse and said this attack is not only on the people but also on Kashmiriyat and requested Home Minister Amit Shah to punish the perpetrators.
Speaking to reporters, Mufti said, "This was an attack not just by the terrorists on the people but also on our Kashmiriyat and us. I request that the Union Home Minister investigate the perpetrators so that they can be brought to justice. We are ashamed that this incident happened in Kashmir, and we stand with those affected."
Meanwhile, Chief of General Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan arrived at the residence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday to brief him on the key decisions taken up by the military to counter Pakistan following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The meeting was convened in response to the deadly attack that occurred on April 22, during which 26 individuals, mostly tourists, including one Nepalese national, were brutally gunned down.
The incident happened around 2 pm at Baisaran meadow, near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the incident, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams, stationed at the Pahalgam terror attack site since April 23, have intensified the search for evidence.
The teams, led by an IG, DIG, and SP from the anti-terror agency, are questioning eyewitnesses who observed the April 22 attack.
Additionally, the Indian Army is on high alert, launching several search operations to neutralise the terrorists following the attack in Pahalgam. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with widespread protests erupting across the country, demanding stricter action against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on April 23 and was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured.
In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.
As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. (ANI)