Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 7
People’s Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti was questioned by police for about 90 minutes on Friday in connection with a case arising from a protest in Srinagar earlier this week.
The questioning was conducted by the Station House Officer of Kothibagh police station, who is also investigating the case, in the presence of a woman police officer.
A senior police official said Mufti cooperated with investigators and assured them she would remain available if required.
Mufti arrived at the police station accompanied by PDP lawmakers Waheed-ur-Rehman Para and Muntazir Mehdi. The two legislators were not allowed to enter the room where she was questioned, officials said.
The case relates to an Aug. 4 protest in Srinagar ahead of the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija Mufti and several party workers were booked in the case.
Police registered FIR No. 63/2026 at Kothibagh police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges relating to assault and rioting.
According to police, protesters attempted to breach restrictions, blocked Residency Road, moved towards Lal Chowk and obstructed police personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
Authorities had imposed restrictions on unauthorised political demonstrations ahead of Aug. 5, while the PDP had announced plans to protest against the central government’s 2019 decisions concerning Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.
Police said the investigation was continuing and that other people who were present during the confrontation could also be questioned.
“There were many people, and gradually they will be questioned, besides recording the statements of witnesses,” the senior police officer said.
Investigators are expected to establish the sequence of events, identify those involved in the confrontation and record witness statements, officials said.
