Doru, August 8 (KNS) : Senior PDP leader and Incharge AC-41 Doru constituency, Mohammad Ashraf Malik, has strongly condemned the manhandling of PDP leader Iltija Mufti by police and the subsequent lodging of an FIR against her, calling the action deeply unfortunate, politically motivated and an assault on democratic rights.
Malik said that the use of force against a political leader and the registration of an FIR for raising political concerns reflect an alarming intolerance towards dissent. “In a democracy, political disagreement cannot be treated as a crime, nor can the police be used as an instrument to intimidate political opponents,” he said.
He questioned the manner in which the police dealt with Iltija Mufti, saying that political leaders deserve dignity and due process, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“The administration must explain why force was used against Iltija Mufti and on what basis an FIR was registered against her.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelSuch actions only deepen public mistrust in institutions and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” Malik said.
The senior PDP leader urged the J&K administration and police authorities to immediately review the incident, ensure that no political leader or citizen is subjected to unlawful or excessive force, and withdraw the FIR registered without legitimate legal basis.
Malik said the PDP would continue to stand firmly for democracy, constitutional rights, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful political dissent.
“Silencing dissent through police action is not democracy. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have the right to question, protest and express their political views. We will not remain silent when democratic voices are suppressed,” he added. (KNS)