Srinagar, Dec 28 (JKNS): National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday defended the house arrest of several political leaders, including party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, asserting that attempts to create unrest under the guise of protest will not be tolerated as Jammu and Kashmir moves on the path of development.
Speaking to reporters at Pahalgam in south Kashmir, as per news agency JKNS Abdullah said the intent behind the proposed protest raised serious concerns. “You should ask those leaders what exactly they wanted to achieve. We are making every possible effort for progress, but some people seem uncomfortable with stability and development. They want chaos, and we will not allow that,” he said.
Earlier in the day, authorities placed multiple political leaders under house arrest to prevent their participation in a proposed protest against the existing reservation policy. Those restricted included NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, PDP MLA Waheed Para, former Srinagar mayor Junaid Mattoo, and PDP leader Iltija Mufti.
The leaders had expressed solidarity with students planning a peaceful sit-in at Gupkar Road, demanding rationalisation of the reservation policy, a year after the formation of a government committee by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to examine the issue.
Responding to questions on regional developments, Abdullah also expressed hope for peaceful elections in Bangladesh, saying a stable and elected government there would help strengthen friendly ties with India.
Meanwhile, PDP MLA Waheed Para termed the restrictions unfortunate, stating that political leaders were prevented from extending support to students raising genuine concerns. NC MP Ruhullah Mehdi, in a post on X late Saturday, said armed police had been deployed outside his residence, questioning whether it was a pre-emptive move to suppress a peaceful, pro-student demonstration. (JKNS)
