Srinagar Leaders Placed Under House Arrest Amid Student Protests
Authorities in Srinagar took preventive measures on Sunday by placing several political leaders, including PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, under house arrest. This action was taken to prevent them from participating in student protests against the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those put under house arrest were Mehbooba Mufti, her daughter Iltija Mufti, Ruhullah Mehdi, PDP leader Waheed Para, and former Srinagar mayor Junaid Mattoo. The decision was made after these leaders showed solidarity with students who planned a peaceful protest at Gupkar Road, expressing their concerns over the delay in rationalizing the quota policy despite efforts made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the issue.
Waheed Para deemed the house arrests as unfortunate, stating that it was an attempt to silence their support for the protesting students. Ruhullah Mehdi also raised concerns over armed police being stationed outside his residence, questioning whether this was a pre-emptive crackdown to suppress a peaceful demonstration.
Para criticized the government for failing to resolve the reservation issue, highlighting the significance of the policy for the future of the youth in Kashmir. He emphasized the need for transparency by urging the release of the reservation report prepared by the Cabinet sub-committee, even if pending the lieutenant governor’s approval.
Addressing the pressing issue, Para stressed the importance of making the reservation report public to alleviate the uncertainty and anxiety among the youth in the region. He pointed out the government’s lack of initiative in resolving the matter, despite repeated appeals from the community.
As the situation unfolds, the leaders remain under house arrest, raising concerns about the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest in Kashmir. The stalemate continues as the youth await concrete steps towards addressing the reservation policy, which has become a critical issue affecting their future.
