The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday said it was not allowed to stage a protest outside its office against recent attacks on Kashmiris in other parts of the country.
However, party leaders and workers held a protest inside the office premises near Sher-e-Kashmir Park.
Carrying placards, the protesters attempted to take the demonstration outside the premises, but found the gates locked. They were seen urging the police to allow them to stage a protest against attacks on Kashmiris in other parts of the country.
“Those who are attacking Kashmiris are roaming free, while those who want to protest peacefully and democratically against such attacks are being stopped,” PDP leader Abdul Qayoom Bhat said.
The PDP leaders also questioned the alleged silence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Central government over the attacks on Kashmiris.
Meanwhile, PDP Chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticised the restriction of the party march.
“When a young Kashmiri shawl seller is almost beaten to death in Uttarakhand, no one comes to his rescue. But when the PDP attempts a peaceful protest against such atrocities, the entire police machinery is unleashed to crush the march,” she said on X.
She alleged that Kashmiris face restrictions both within and outside the union Territory.
“Kashmiris are caged within J&K and thrashed when they step out to earn an honest livelihood. When even survival is treated as a crime, where are Kashmiris supposed to go from here? Are they even allowed to exist in new India?,” she asked.
