SRINAGAR: Police on Monday arrested a number of people who had come to Srinagar Press Colony to protest against the promulgation of the new land laws. They were led by former teacher and trade union leader Abdul Qayoom.
Police had information in anticipation of the symbolic protest and the venue was crowded with cops and paramilitary men. As the group of people reached, they displayed their placards. Some of them did talk to the awaiting TV reporters. The placards were suggesting a dismissal of new land laws, the binning of state subject system and the curbs on freedom of speech.
As they started marching, the cops drove their awaiting vehicles closer to them and took them away. It was not immediately known if there is a formal FIR against any of them or the entire group.
Wani has been the leaders of the powerful teachers association. Eventually, he would head the EJAC, one of the powerful trade unions of the employees of Jammu and Kashmir. He later resigned and unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election. In anticipation of the reading down of Article 370, police arrested him. After his arrest, he remained at home and has been running some civil society. The Monday symbolic protest was Wani’s first public appearance in more than a year.
