SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Saturday demanded an apology from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti over her remarks on police action in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that they justified the use of force against peaceful protesters.
Addressing reporters, Sadiq said the NC had invited Mufti to join its protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, but she chose not to attend.
He said he was “shocked” by her remarks, alleging that they implied police action in Jammu and Kashmir was acceptable while similar action in Delhi was not. According to Sadiq, such a position effectively treated every protester in the Union Territory as “a militant” and legitimised the use of force against those participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Questioning the remarks, Sadiq said people protest over issues such as reservations, unemployment and civic concerns, and such demonstrations should not be equated with militancy. He added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were entitled to the same democratic rights and constitutional protections as citizens elsewhere in the country.
Demanding that Mufti withdraw her statement, Sadiq said no political leader should make remarks that weaken democratic rights or appear to endorse force against peaceful protesters.
The NC leader also described his party’s recent protest at Jantar Mantar as a “historic” demonstration for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s rights. He claimed it was the first time a ruling political party, led by a serving Chief Minister, had staged such a protest in the national capital.
Sadiq said the party remained committed to holding the protest despite receiving permission only at the last moment, adding that supporters from across Jammu and Kashmir assembled peacefully to register their protest. He also criticised opposition parties for, in his words, limiting themselves to social media instead of joining the demonstration.
