Mufti urges army to probe allegations of youth made to work as bonded labourers
Srinagar, 21 June 2025: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has made a fervent appeal to the Indian Army to respect the dignity and fundamental rights of civilians, following disturbing allegations that soldiers have been coercing young men into performing forced labour in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mufti voiced her concern about reports emerging from the village of Manzgam, where the army allegedly set up a new camp near two revered religious sites—the shrine of Baba Qayaam Din and the temple of Ragniya Devi—both situated side by side, symbolizing the region’s centuries-old communal harmony.
“Manzgam, home to the shrine of Baba Qayaam Din and temple of Ragniya Devi—both situated adjacent to each other—holds immense religious significance,” Mufti posted. “Unfortunately, since May 2025, the army has started establishing a camp here. There are legitimate and growing concerns, as well as allegations, that young men from Manzgam and surrounding villages are being forcibly taken to these camps for bonded labour.”
Private Vehicles Also Allegedly Seized
In addition to the forced labour allegations, the PDP leader highlighted that private vehicles in the area were reportedly being requisitioned coercively by the army for its use—an act she described as unacceptable and in violation of civilian rights.
“Reports suggest that private vehicles are being coercively requisitioned by the army for their use,” Mufti added.
Appeal to Senior Army Officials for Urgent Action
Calling the allegations “serious and deeply troubling,” Mufti urged top army leadership in the region to conduct a transparent investigation and put an immediate end to any such practices if they are found to be true.
“Urgently request the Corps Commander Srinagar to look into these serious allegations and ensure that fundamental rights and the dignity of local civilians are upheld,” she said, tagging the official handles of @ChinarCorpsIA and @adgpi.
Army Maintains Silence Amid Growing Public Concern
Despite the gravity of the allegations, there has been no official response from the army’s public relations wing. The Chinar Corps and other army representatives have yet to issue a statement addressing Mufti’s concerns or confirming whether any inquiry has been initiated.
This silence has fueled anxiety in the region, particularly among human rights advocates and local communities, who view the allegations as a serious breach of both civil liberties and military discipline.
Political and Civil Reactions Expected
The matter is likely to ignite further debate among civil society groups, political parties, and human rights organizations. Several activists have already begun expressing concern over the alleged militarization of peaceful villages in South Kashmir and what they term as a “return to fear-based governance.”
Context: Strategic Significance and Rising Tensions
Manzgam, a serene hamlet in Kulgam district, has historically remained largely peaceful and is cherished for its interfaith harmony. The establishment of a permanent army camp in such a symbolically significant location has raised eyebrows, especially as local youth and civilian resources are allegedly being exploited without consent.
If substantiated, the forced labour accusations could be in violation of multiple provisions of the Indian Constitution, particularly Article 23, which prohibits human trafficking and all forms of forced labour. It may also breach international human rights norms and Geneva Convention principles governing the conduct of armed forces in civilian areas.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Mehbooba Mufti’s direct appeal to the Corps Commander reflects mounting frustration within local political circles over continued militarization and lack of accountability. As a former chief minister, Mufti has been consistently vocal about the need to balance national security priorities with civilian rights and constitutional values.
Whether the army leadership will respond substantively to the allegations remains to be seen, but the PDP leader’s intervention has ensured that the issue will remain in the public and media spotlight.
