Fact check: Mehbooba Mufti’s claim that non-local workers were forced to leave Kashmir is false

A viral statement by Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), gained attention after she claimed that non-local workers were forced to leave Kashmir following the terrorist attack in Sonamarg. Mufti said that following the barbaric attack in Gangangir (Sonamarg), there were reports that local authorities were pressurizing non-local workers to leave the valley.

Fact checking

We have been investigating the virus claim. During the process, we found a tweet from the handle oficl X of Ganderbal Police. Ganderbal Police quickly responded to this viral statement by calling it “completely unfounded.” They issued a statement on social media, stressing that no such orders had been given to non-local workers and no pressure was put on them to leave the region. and non-local workers in the area and condemned misinformation spreading on social media.

Apart from the Ganderbal Police, the official Kashmir Police Handle also rejected the claims. They confirmed that local authorities had not issued any orders to evacuate or force migrant workers to leave the valley. The Kashmir Police reinforced its position, reiterating that such rumors could escalate tensions and should be rejected.

The media reports Kashmir Observer mentioned that the Jammu and Kashmir authorities have denied these allegations because “unfounded rumors” They categorically deny the fact of the forced removal of guest workers from the region. The media emphasized that after the terrorist attack, security measures were strengthened to protect all workers, including those from outside the state. These reports refuted the Mufti’s claims and emphasized that her claims were not supported by any administrative directives or official position.

Conclusion

Mehbooba Mufti’s claim that non-local workers were forced to leave Kashmir is false. Official police statements clarify that the virus claim is unfounded and misleading. The local administration did not issue any evacuation orders for out-of-town workers. The police also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, including non-residents.

So Mehbooba Mufti’s viral statement is misleading.

DFRAC Analysis: Misleading