PDP slams authorities for foiling peaceful protest, detaining leaders, workers

Srinagar, Jul 01: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday said several leaders and workers of the party were detained after the authorities disallowed a peaceful protest march here.The protest, the party said, was aimed at highlighting urgent public issues, including water and electricity shortages, and criticising the “unfulfilled” promises of the previous National Conference-led government.According to the party statement, those who were detained include former ministers Abdul Haq Khan, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura  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 PDP leaders had assembled near their party headquarters with plans to march toward Lal Chowk to raise awareness about the region’s pressing challenges. However, a heavy police deployment intervened, resulting in the detention of the participants, who are currently held at local police stations,” the party said.PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti condemned the arrests, tweeting: “Shame on J&K admin for detaining PDP leaders & workers who were peacefully protesting against water & electricity crises. Suppressing 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 said, “This was a democratic protest to raise critical issues affecting the people of J&K. The government’s response demonstrates their fear of accountability.”The party’s senior leader Khursheed Alam added: “Detaining us won’t solve water and power shortages or hide the NC’s broken promises. The people of J&K deserve better, and we will not cease raising their concerns.”The PDP urged the authorities to respect their right to peaceful protest and to address the grievances raised by the party.