A tense situation unfolded in Srinagar when Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference (NC) president, was barred by police barricades from meeting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh at the Government Circuit house. Singh responded by climbing over the gate to meet and converse with Abdullah. Both leaders criticized the police’s actions, attributing them to political motives and the Lieutenant Governor.
The backdrop to this incident was the detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA), which fueled tensions. Abdullah urged the government to reverse its decision, stating the PSA should not be used against an elected official. He highlighted the challenges faced by Doda, including floods.
While Abdullah expressed disapproval of the MLA’s behavior towards the Deputy Commissioner of Doda, he said the consequences were excessive. He reiterated that the PSA should be revoked and the MLA should apologize.
Sanjay Singh concurred with Abdullah’s perspective, criticizing the government’s approach. He emphasized that the police action was aimed at silencing dissent and intimidating elected representatives.
In addition to these criticisms, Abdullah welcomed the implementation of goods train services in Kashmir, viewing it as a positive development amidst the persistent disruptions affecting the Srinagar-Jammu National highway.