SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday appealed to the Army to respect the dignity and fundamental rights of people, following allegations that soldiers were forcing youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district to work as "bonded labourers".

The former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir appealed to the Corps Commander of the Army's Srinagar-based XV Corps, also known as Chinar Corps, to look into the allegations.

No immediate reaction was available from the Army.

"Manzgam, home to the shrine of Baba Qayaam Din & temple of Ragniya Devi, both situated adjacent to each other, holds immense religious significance. Unfortunately, since May 2025, the Army has started establishing a camp here," Mufti said in a post on X.

Manzgam, a village in south Kashmir's Kulgam, is located about 90 km from here.

She said there are "legitimate and growing concerns" as well as allegations that young men from Manzgam and the surrounding villages are "being forcibly taken to these camps for bonded labour".

"Additionally, reports suggest that private vehicles are being coercively requisitioned by the Army for their use," she added.

She asserted that the fundamental rights and the dignity of local residents must be upheld.

"Urgently request the Corps Commander Srinagar to look into these serious allegations & ensure that fundamental rights and the dignity of local civilians are upheld," the PDP president said.