SRINAGAR: Speaking during a late-night session of the Lok Sabha on Monday, Aga Syed Ruhullah, Member of Parliament from Srinagar, raised serious concerns about the treatment of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. His remarks came amid ongoing discussions on “Operation Sindoor”.
Ruhullah, whose speech was frequently interrupted by other members, criticised what he described as disproportionate actions by state institutions and agencies in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. He said the Pahalgam incident had drawn widespread condemnation across Jammu and Kashmir, with locals observing shutdowns, organising protests, and expressing solidarity with the victims.
“The people of Kashmir unequivocally condemned the attack and mourned the loss of lives. Shops were closed, and the Valley grieved collectively,” he said, highlighting the community’s rejection of terrorism.
However, the MP alleged that in the wake of the attack, local Kashmiris were subjected to routine checks, arbitrary detentions, and heightened scrutiny, an approach he likened to past responses following incidents in Pulwama and Uri. While presenting figures, Ruhullah claimed that around 2,000 individuals were detained and several homes were demolished without due legal process.
He further voiced alarm over reports of harassment faced by Kashmiri students and businesspersons in other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. “Are these actions grounded in law, or are they driven by prejudice?” he questioned, calling into doubt the democratic principle of equal citizenship.
Ruhullah also criticised the post-attack security response, accusing certain institutions of targeting civilians rather than focusing on external threats. “Instead of addressing the real source of terrorism, the response has turned inward toward innocent people,” he said.
His address was eventually curtailed by the Speaker following sustained objections from several members of the House.
