PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti raised concerns about the imposition of Section 144 in Pulwama district, just two days ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, alleging that her party workers were detained by the local administration. Mufti criticized the authorities for what she perceived as an attempt to influence the election outcome by harassing and detaining her party workers.
During a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti expressed dismay over the unprecedented imposition of Section 144 in Pulwama, a move she deemed unnecessary and unprecedented. She drew parallels with the controversial 1987 elections, suggesting that the current situation echoed past instances of alleged electoral malpractice.
Mufti accused the authorities of aiming to disrupt her Lok Sabha campaign by detaining her party workers and imposing restrictions in the Pulwama district.
In response, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or District Magistrate (DM) of Pulwama defended the imposition of Section 144, stating that it was a routine measure aimed at maintaining law and order in the district. The DC clarified that the imposition of Section 144 was in line with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, particularly during the last 72 hours before polling.
The DC emphasized that the restrictions were specific to certain campaign-related activities during the silent period preceding the elections and did not constitute general limitations on the movement of individuals.
Pulwama is a crucial part of the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, where Mehbooba Mufti is contesting against candidates from the National Conference and the Apni Party. The constituency is scheduled to go to polls on May 13 during the fourth phase of the election.
