Mehbooba Mufti asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to allow Muharram processions and release detainees held under the Public Safety Act [1].

The request highlights the ongoing tension between security restrictions and the expression of religious and cultural identity in the region. Because the administration often limits public gatherings to prevent unrest, the ability to hold these processions serves as a barometer for civil liberties in Kashmir.

Mufti, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said that religious processions are an integral part of the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage [1], [2]. She said that these events should be facilitated peacefully to respect the traditions of the community [1].

Beyond the religious observances, Mufti called for a review of individuals detained under the Public Safety Act [2]. She specifically requested the release of those detainees linked to recent protests regarding Iran [2]. The Public Safety Act allows the government to detain individuals without trial for extended periods to prevent them from acting in a manner prejudicial to public order.

Mufti said the administration should ensure that the spiritual needs of the people are met without compromising security [1], [3]. Her appeal comes as the region continues to navigate a complex security environment where the state frequently balances public safety against the fundamental right to assembly.

By linking the religious processions with the release of political detainees, Mufti is connecting the spiritual autonomy of the population with their legal and political freedoms. She said the government should recognize that allowing peaceful cultural expression can reduce friction between the state and the citizenry [1], [2].

“Religious processions are an integral part of the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage.”

This appeal reflects the persistent friction in Jammu and Kashmir between state security protocols and the preservation of local customs. By advocating for both the religious right to hold Muharram processions and the legal release of PSA detainees, Mufti is positioning the PDP as a mediator between the civilian population's cultural identity and the administration's security-first approach.