Paying rich tributes to Kashmir martyrs, Peoples Democratic Party today lamented that imposition of severe restrictions on the people and political leadership of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion is a blatant violation of fundamental rights and speaks volumes about current state of affairs in the erstwhile state.
This suppression, which includes the denial of paying homage and tribute to the courageous martyrs, exposes the hollowness of the BJP’s claims about the situation in the region, the party said. In a statement, former legislator and spokesperson of Peoples Democratic Party Firdous Tak said that party president and former Chief Minister, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, was unjustly confined to her house, denying her the opportunity to join fellow Kashmiris in commemorating the sacrifices made by our brave martyrs. Furthermore, several senior leaders were barred from reaching Mazar-e-Shodha, the sacred shrine where the martyrs rest, to express our reverence and solidarity. “The Martyrs Day is a significant occasion for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to pay homage to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom, democracy and justice. It is deeply disheartening that the BJP and its administration have chosen to curtail our democratic rights, undermining the spirit of democracy and stifling the voices of the people”, he said. The PDP strongly condemns these actions, which are indicative of a larger pattern of authoritarianism and suppression of dissent, Tak said adding that the BJP, despite its promises of ushering in a new era of development and peace, continues to employ repressive tactics to silence the voices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “We urge the administration to respect the rights of the people and allow them to exercise their democratic freedoms without any hindrance. The sacrifices made by our martyrs cannot be undermined or forgotten, and it is our duty to honor their memory and carry forward their aspirations”.
