Mehbooba Urges Calm Amid Calls to Expel Non-Local Workers in J&KWarns Move Could Tarnish Kashmir’s Image
In a statement shared on social media, Mufti acknowledged the fears among the laborers but condemned the response, stating that forcing them to leave would only exacerbate tensions and send the wrong message about the region.
She emphasized that such actions could damage the perception of recent peaceful, terror-free elections and fuel backlash against Kashmiris working or studying in other states.
Mufti urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to step in and ensure laborers are given enough time to make safe arrangements.
“While I understand their fear, forcing non-local laborers to leave is not a solution. It will create more problems and reflect poorly on J&K. We just had peaceful elections, and this knee-jerk reaction could undo that progress,” she said.
