Srinagar, July 1, (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Police detained several leaders and workers of the Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) in Srinagar today, disrupting a peaceful protest march organized to address pressing public issues, including water and electricity shortages, and to criticize the National Conference government’s unfulfilled promises.
The detained leaders include former ministers Abdul Haq Khan, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, Basharat Bukhari, and Zahoor Mir; former MLAs Advocate Mohd Yousuf, Noor Mohd, and Gulzar Ahmad; former MLC Khursheed Alam; Vice President of the Youth Wing Najmu Saqib, spokespersons and leaders Arif Laigroo, Iqbal Tramboo, Yaseen Bhat, Qayoom Bhat, Advocate Khursheed Shah, Sarah Nayeem, Shokiya Quareshi, Sheikh Sabah, Tabassum, Mohd Ashraf Malik along with zone presidents and senior workers.
The JKPDP had gathered near their party headquarters, planning to march to Lal Chowk to highlight the region’s challenges. However, a heavy police presence intervened, detaining the participants, who are currently held at local police stations.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the detentions, tweeting: “Shame on J&K admin for detaining PDP leaders & workers who were peacefully protesting against water & electricity crises.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelSuppressing our voices won’t hide NC’s failures. We will continue to fight for people’s rights!” She described the detentions as an attempt to suppress democratic expression.
Former minister and Party leader Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura added, “This was a democratic protest to raise critical issues affecting J&K’s people. The government’s response shows their fear of accountability.”
Former minister Basharat Bukhari, among those detained, stated: “The people of J&K are suffering due to the government’s incompetence. Our protest was to amplify their voices, but this crackdown shows the administration’s desperation to silence us.”
Former MLC Khursheed Alam echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Detaining us won’t resolve the water and power crises or hide the NC’s broken promises. The people of J&K deserve better, and we will not stop raising their concerns.”
The JKPDP reminded the authorities to respect their right to peaceful protest while addressing the grievances raised.(KNS)