Jammu, March 3: Independent legislator Sheikh Khursheed Ahmed staged a protest at the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly premises on Monday, demanding justice for two civilians recently killed in Sopore and Kathua, along with the restoration of statehood for the region.
Despite persistent rainfall, Ahmed, who represents the Langate assembly constituency, held a banner within the Assembly complex, urging authorities to launch judicial investigations into the deaths of civilians Waseem Mir and Makhan Din.
Ahmed attempted to enter the Assembly's Central Hall to display his banner during the Lieutenant Governor's inaugural address on the first day of the Budget session but was prevented by security personnel.
Legislator Seeks Judicial Inquiry into Civilian Deaths
Expressing concern over the administration’s alleged inaction, Ahmed stated, "I raised the demand for justice for the families of Waseem Mir and Makhan Din. The police and the government remain silent on these matters, and even other legislators have chosen silence. This compelled me to bring attention to the issue. We demand justice."He emphasized the necessity of independent judicial probes into both incidents, appealing directly to the Lieutenant Governor for immediate action. Ahmed reiterated his resolve, saying, "We will continue to raise this issue inside the Assembly."
Details of Recent Civilian Deaths
On January 5, Waseem Mir was shot dead by security forces in Sopore, Baramulla district, North Kashmir, allegedly after fleeing a checkpoint. Meanwhile, Makhan Din died by suicide after reportedly consuming poison on February 4 in Kathua, following allegations of custodial torture by police personnel.Demand for Statehood and Release of Political Prisoners
Ahmed also demanded broader administrative reforms, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. He called for the immediate release of political detainees, cessation of arbitrary terminations of employees, and a halt to the misuse of stringent laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)."We demand the immediate release of political prisoners and an end to the frequent use of PSA and UAPA," Ahmed emphasized during his protest.
Assembly Session Resumes after Seven-Year Break
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly convened on Monday for its Budget session after a seven-year gap. This is only the second session of the Assembly since the National Conference (NC)-led government assumed power in the Union Territory.The previous session took place in Srinagar from November 4 to November 8 last year, shortly after the formation of the current government.
In August 2019, the Central government abrogated Article 370, removing Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcating the erstwhile state into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.