National Conference President Defends Detention of Leaders Following Student Protest
Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the President of the National Conference (NC), came forward on Sunday to defend the detention of leaders after a student protest regarding reservation issues was thwarted in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the party’s spokesperson and legislator Tanvir Sadiq criticized the authorities for placing Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi under house arrest and detaining student leaders.
The planned protest, scheduled to take place at 11 AM in Srinagar, was disrupted as security forces prevented gatherings following the detention of JKNC MP Ruhullah Mehdi and other leaders.
Addressing the situation, Abdullah asserted in Pahalgam that his government is dedicated to promoting development and stability in the Valley. He expressed that while some leaders may be uncomfortable with the progress underway, the government is committed to preventing unrest and turmoil in the region.
Abdullah emphasized the importance of focusing on constructive dialogue regarding demands rather than inciting unrest. He urged the youth to maintain unity and progress peacefully, emphasizing values of harmony, brotherhood, and friendship.
In contrast, Tanvir Sadiq strongly condemned the detention of student leaders and the house arrest of Ruhullah Mehdi, labeling the actions as “deeply troubling” and “unjustified.”
Questioning the authorities, Sadiq highlighted the discrepancy in allowing previous protests targeting the elected government while suppressing a peaceful demonstration related to a pending Cabinet decision at Raj Bhavan. He stressed the need to safeguard students’ democratic rights and ensure transparency in the process of rationalizing reservation quotas.
Sadiq reiterated that the NC government had promptly delivered a report on reservation quotas with transparency and good faith, emphasizing the importance of upholding students’ rights to peaceful protest.
Overall, the situation underscores the complexities of governance and the delicate balance between progress and dissent in Jammu and Kashmir. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the need for constructive dialogue to address grievances and promote unity in the region.
