Srinagar, June 19 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Thursday expressed concerns regarding the security measures which were implemented ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
While acknowledging the significance of a Prime Minister's visit, Apni Party's Chief Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin argued that it adversely affects the people, making them feel besieged and imprisoned.
Muntazir was addressing a Press Conference here at Party office Srinagar.
He said that in the days leading up to the Prime Minister’s visit, several persons, including elderly people aged 60 to 70, were detained among them are those who have been part of the mainstream for a considerable time. The extensive security arrangements, while necessary, were causing undue harassment to the locals.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Saying that in recent Lok Sabha elections, where voter turnout in J&K surpassed the national average, Muntazir questioned whether such security measures were an appropriate reward for the people's democratic participation.
He urged the authorities to cease the mass roundups and allow the people, especially respectable and senior citizens, to live their lives with dignity.
Muntazir called for a balance between ensuring security and respecting the rights and freedoms of the local population, saying that the dignity of the citizens should not be compromised in the name of security preparations for high-profile visits.(KNS)