Fact Check: Mehbooba Mufti's Claim of Non-Local Labourers Forced to Leave Kashmir is False

A viral claim by Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has attracted attention after she stated that non-local labourers were being forced to leave Kashmir following a terror attack at Sonamarg. Mufti posted that after the barbaric attack in Gagangir (Sonamarg), there were reports of local authorities pressuring non-local workers to exit the valley.

Fact Check

We investigated the viral claim. During the process we found a tweet by oficl X handle of Ganderbal Police. The Ganderbal Police quickly responded to this viral claim, branding it as “completely baseless.” They issued a statement on social media, emphasizing that no such orders were given to non-local labourers and no pressure was exerted on them to leave the region.Ganderbal police explicitly mentioned that they were taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of both local and non-local workers in the area and condemned the misinformation circulating on social media.

The recent post in the social media about non-local labourers being asked to leave, is completely baseless. The J&K Police is committed to maintain security and a sense of safety to all intending to earn their livelihood.
— Ganderbal Police (@Gbl_Police) October 22, 2024

In addition to the Ganderbal Police, the official Kashmir Police handle also dismissed the claims. They confirmed that no directions were given by local authorities to evacuate or force migrant workers to leave the valley.The Kashmir Police reinforced their position by reiterating that such rumours could escalate tensions and must be rejected.

Social media reports claiming the local administration has asked non-local workers to leave the valley are false. The Jammu and Kashmir Police is committed to ensure security and fostering a safe environment for all individuals (1/2)
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) October 22, 2024

The media reports by Kashmir Observer mentioned that authorities in Jammu and Kashmir rubbished these claims as “unfounded rumours”. They categorically denied any forced removal of migrant workers from the region. The media highlighted that in the aftermath of the terror attack, security measures were increased to protect all workers, including those from outside the state. These reports refuted Mufti’s statements and highlighted that her claims were not substantiated by any administrative directive or official stance.

Conclusion

The claim made by Mehbooba Mufti that non-local labourers were being forced to leave Kashmir is false. Official statements from the police clarify that the viral claim is baseless and misleading. The local administration has not issued any directive for the evacuation of non-local workers. Also, the police have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, including non-locals.

Thus, the viral claim by Mehbooba Mufti is misleading.