Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, alleged they were placed under house arrest before the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370. Both leaders claimed that their residences were sealed by the police. However, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the police refuted these allegations, stating that no one was under house arrest or arrested.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) asserted that Mehbooba Mufti’s residence was sealed, terming it “illegal house arrest” in a statement on X. A National Conference (NC) leader reported the locking of the main gate at the residences of Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, raising questions about democracy.
While the police denied these claims and asserted that no one was under house arrest, the controversy intensified. Journalists were reportedly barred from approaching the residences, and pictures of locked gates circulated on social media.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dismissed the reports, calling them “totally baseless.” Srinagar Police echoed this, emphasizing that “no person has been put under house arrest.”
In response, Omar Abdullah challenged the official statements, insinuating either dishonesty from the Lieutenant Governor or independent actions by the police. He shared images of the locked gate and questioned the authorities.
Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, countered the police’s denial by urging them to allow media verification. She questioned the authenticity of the claims, adding a touch of skepticism with the phrase “Srinagar Police or Pinocchio?”
As the Supreme Court’s Article 370 verdict is declared, the conflicting narratives surrounding the alleged house arrests contribute to the ongoing tensions and political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir.
