Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said invocation of the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against students for cheering the winning cricket team reflects ‘ruthless mindset’ of the establishment towards youngsters in J&K.

The PDP leader and former chief minister was reacting to the arrest of seven students of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology under the UAPA on a complaint of a non-local student.

The complainant had alleged that he was intimidated and pro-Pakistan slogans were raised following Australia’s victory against India in the World Cup final on 19 November.

Raising the issue, Mehbooba wrote on ‘X’, “Disconcerting & shocking that cheering for a winning team too has been criminalised in Kashmir. Normalising slapping of draconian laws like UAPA on journalists, activists & now students reveals the ruthless mindset of the establishment towards youngsters in J&K.Hearts and minds of people cannot be won through barrel of gun.”

She requested J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene in the matter.

In a sarcastic remark on the development, she said those in power were on the one hand claiming that normalcy was returning to Kashmir, while on the other arresting youths under the draconian UAPA. Instead of winning their heart and mind, people are being put in jails. “How many people would you put in prisons,” she asked.

“UAPA is used against terrorists, but you (the J&K administration) are using it against journalists, human rights activists and students to ruin their career, she pointed out.

The PDP leader further wrote, “If you are interested in our land, then throw us out like Israel is doing with Palestinians in Gaza.”

Meanwhile, CPI (M) leader Mohammed Yousuf Tari, critisising the arrest of students under UAPA, wrote on X: “It is highly deplorable to invoke UAPA, an act supposedly meant to combat terrorist activities, against students for the simple act of celebrating sports events. This not only reflects the recurring misuse of the act but also signifies unprecedented curbs on expression.”

He said sports should be viewed as a recreational activity, and must not be unduly politicised.