Srinagar, May 21: Srinagar MP Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his ongoing outreach visits in the Jammu region, alleging that the administration was “crushing dissent” and failing to respond to key public concerns.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) in Handwara during a visit to the residence of Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid to offer condolences on the death of his father, MP Ruhullah said the government had “consistently disappointed” the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Every day, the government is doing something or the other to disappoint us. At least there should have been a statement. If they are not able to stop us, they should at least tell us what forces are behind this,” he said.
MP Ruhullah said expectations from the government had become futile despite it being voted to power by the people.
“They are elected representatives. They are the elected government. At this time, it is not right to expect anything from them because people voted for them. It is unfortunate,” he said.
The MP also demanded the immediate release of Engineer Rashid, who remains lodged in jail.
“Bail is a norm in this country, and he is an MP as well. But unfortunately, he has not been given that justice yet. It is a shame,” Ruhullah said.
Referring to the suspension of social media handles linked to the recent “cockroach” satire movement, he alleged that freedom of expression was being curtailed.
“Freedom of expression has been terminated. A dictator who runs the government in the style of North Korea is unfortunately running in this democracy,” he alleged, while urging Gen Z to mobilise “democratically and peacefully”.(KNS).
