SRINAGAR, DEC 28 – National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday defended the detention of leaders after a student protest on reservation issues in Jammu and Kashmir was foiled, while the party’s spokesperson and legislator Tanvir Sadiq criticized authorities for placing Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi under house arrest and detaining student leaders.
The protest, which was scheduled for today at 11 AM in Srinagar, could not take place as security forces blocked gatherings following the detention of JKNC MP Ruhullah Mehdi and other leaders.
Responding to a question about the house arrest of several leaders after their planned protest over reservation was foiled, Abdullah in Pahalgam said his government is focused on development and stability in the Valley, but some leaders are uncomfortable with the ongoing progress and seek unrest.
“They don’t like that the government is progressing. They want turmoil in the Valley. We won’t let that happen,” he said, adding that turning the reservation issue into street conflict or political tension would not benefit society.
Abdullah emphasized that the government should be questioned on demands rather than pushed toward unrest. “Tell those leaders what are they asking for? Our government is doing its best,” he said.
He urged youth to remain united and move forward peacefully, highlighting harmony, brotherhood, and friendship.
In contrast, Tanvir Sadiq condemned the detention of student leaders and Ruhullah Mehdi’s house arrest, calling the move “deeply troubling” and “unjustified.”
He questioned why earlier protests directed at the elected government were allowed while today’s peaceful demonstration, related to a pending Cabinet decision at Raj Bhavan, was suppressed. “Let’s be clear: we did not stop students from exercising their legitimate democratic right to protest when the anger was directed towards the elected government. And we will not abandon them now simply because their peaceful protest is directed at Lok Bhavan,” Sadiq said.
Sadiq added that the NC government had delivered a report on rationalizing reservation quotas promptly, transparently, and in good faith, and stressed that students’ democratic rights must be safeguarded.(KNS)
