Srinagar/Jammu, June 2: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday condemned the arrest of senior party leader Chaudhary Talib Hussain during a protest at Raika Bandi, Sidhra, Jammu, where he was demonstrating in support of families affected by a “controversial” demolition drive carried out by the Forest Department.
According to a statement issued by the PDP, Talib Hussain was detained after participating in a protest against the demolition exercise and raising concerns regarding the plight of affected residents.
Condemning the arrest, Iltija Mufti said that detaining a political leader for peacefully highlighting the grievances of vulnerable and marginalized citizens reflects what she described as an increasing intolerance towards dissent and democratic expression.
“Instead of engaging with distressed families, addressing their grievances and ensuring justice, the administration has chosen the path of intimidation by targeting those who are speaking on behalf of the poor and neglected sections of society,” she said.
Mufti alleged that the government’s response to human suffering should not be “arrests and coercion.”
“When citizens who have lost their homes seek answers, and public representatives stand with them, the duty of the administration is to listen, not silence. Arresting Chaudhary Talib Hussain for standing alongside affected families is deeply unfortunate and raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to democratic values and civil liberties,” she said.
Referring to the demolition of houses belonging to economically weaker families and tribal communities, Mufti said the “controversial” demolition drive had already generated widespread concern. She also pointed out that the government had constituted an inquiry committee into the matter, the findings of which, she claimed, have yet to be made public.
Mufti said that democratic societies thrive on dialogue and accountability rather than the criminalization of protest.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have the constitutional right to peacefully express their grievances. The repeated use of force, detentions and intimidation against those demanding justice only deepens public alienation and erodes trust in institutions,” she said.
Demanding the immediate release of Chaudhary Talib Hussain and others detained during the protest, Mufti urged the administration to abandon what she termed a confrontational approach and instead engage meaningfully with affected families.
“The voices of the poor cannot be bulldozed into silence. Justice demands compassion, consultation and accountability. The government must answer the questions being raised by these families instead of punishing those who dare to raise them,” she added. (KDC)
