Several political figures detained to thwart protests over reservation policy; Mehdi calls move a crackdown on dissent
BuzzBytes
SRINAGAR, Dec 28: National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday defended the administration’s move to place several political leaders, including NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, under house arrest, saying such measures were necessary to prevent unrest and safeguard peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at Pahalgam, the former chief minister said certain leaders appeared unhappy with the region’s path of progress and were attempting to create disturbance under the guise of protests.
“You should ask those leaders what they wanted to do. We are doing as much as we can. Perhaps, they do not like that the state is progressing. They want turmoil, which we will not allow to happen,” Abdullah said, asserting that stability and development would not be sacrificed to political theatrics.
Earlier in the day, authorities placed several politicians, including NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, PDP youth leader Waheed Para, former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattoo, and PDP spokesperson Iltija Mufti, under house arrest. The move came ahead of a planned demonstration on Gupkar Road, where students and activists were expected to protest against the delay in revising the Union Territory’s reservation policy. Officials said the decision was precautionary, intended to prevent any disruption to law and order.
The reservation issue has been a simmering point since Chief Minister Omar Abdullah constituted a committee last year to rationalise the quota framework, but no final recommendations have so far been made public. The detained leaders had voiced support for the protesting students and announced plans to join their peaceful sit-in.
Reacting to the curbs, PDP leader Waheed Para criticised the action, describing it as an attempt to silence democratic voices. “It is unfortunate that showing solidarity with students is treated as a threat,” he said. Mehdi, taking to social media platform X on Saturday night, claimed armed police had been deployed outside his residence in Srinagar. “Is this a pre-emptive crackdown to silence a peaceful, pro-student demonstration?” he asked in his post.
Meanwhile, Dr. Farooq Abdullah downplayed the political controversy surrounding the detentions, reiterating that safeguarding public order remained the priority. He added that while the right to protest is a democratic principle, it should not come at the cost of peace or normalcy in Kashmir.
On a separate note, the National Conference leader expressed hope that Bangladesh’s upcoming elections would be held peacefully, leading to the formation of a government committed to friendly relations with India. “We hope they tread the path of friendship,” he said.
The house arrests and the government’s firm stand against the proposed protests have once again stirred debate over the balance between maintaining peace and ensuring political freedoms in Jammu and Kashmir, a region still recovering from years of turbulence and transition.
