SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary condemned the events that took place in Srinagar on July 14, describing them as a direct affront to democratic values and the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to the media, Choudhary said, “Yesterday’s events were an insult to democracy. This land has witnessed many sacrifices for freedom mothers have lost sons, and sisters have lost brothers. We did not achieve this freedom easily. Under the very same freedom and Constitution, Omar Abdullah’s government was elected by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
When asked about the concerns regarding statehood, the Deputy CM said, “Statehood is a separate issue. But if anyone believes they can insult or humiliate our leader and expect us to remain silent, let me be clear: we will neither tolerate it nor will the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He added, “What happened yesterday—whether people choose to speak about it or not—is an insult to every Indian who cast their vote.”
Commenting on the recent statement by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha about the Pahalgam terror attack, Choudhary said, “The LG acknowledged the Pahalgam attack after 82 days. One day, he may also express regret over what happened with Omar Abdullah and admit that the police under his command acted unjustly. He owes an apology for yesterday’s events.”
These remarks follow the restrictions placed on political leaders, including Omar Abdullah, from paying tributes in Srinagar on July 13—a move that has sparked criticism across political circles.
