PDP MPs hold protest in Parliament; demand to bring back "normalcy" in Kashmir

PDP Rajya Sabha Parliamentarians Mir Fayaz and Nazir Ahmed Laway staged a protest outside the Parliament premises on Monday against the revocation of the special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Holding placards against the abrogation of Article 370, the two PDP MPs condemned the detentions of mainstream political leaders. 

"Bring back normalcy in Kashmir. UT status not acceptable," one of the placards read while another said, "detentions are no solution."  

During the last session of the Parliament when the decision to abrogate Article 370 was taken, the two MPs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had protested and even attempted to tear the Constitution - for which they were reprimanded by the Speaker.  PDP chief Mebooba Mufti continues to remain detained since August 5, along with NC leaders Omar, Farooq Abdullah and other politicians in the valley.

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On Sunday evening, Mehbooba Mufti and Sajad Lone's JKPC raised allegations of "manhandling" in the hands of security officials in the valley. The senior leaders from Kashmir claimed that on the pretext of security checking, Sajad Lone was "manhandled and misbehaved" while the political detainees were being shifted to the MLA Hostel. The JKPC statement condemning the "reprehensible treatment" further said that the incident even led to a "heated exchange of words" wherein some members exchanged "physical blows."

Earlier on Monday, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool gave Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over the detention of NC patron Farooq Abdullah. 

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Opposition Raises Farooq Abdullah's Detention

The detention of Srinagar MP Farooq Abdullah became a crucial talking point at the all-party meeting, called by the government on Sunday. The Opposition firmly raised the confinement of Lok Sabha MP and NC patron, Farooq Abdullah, in his Srinagar residence. NC further demanded his participation in the approaching winter session of the Parliament, in the presence of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. 

During the all-party meet on Sunday, NC MP Hasnain Masoodi contending Farooq Abdullah's detention since August 05 said that the government is under the obligation of the Constitution to ensure the participation of the Srinagar MP. The NC leader said, "How can a parliamentarian be detained illegally? He should be allowed to attend Parliament."

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Mainstream Kashmiri politicians, including three former chief ministers of the state-- Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah have been placed under detention since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5 citing 'security concerns.' Mufti and Omar Abdullah are under section 107 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Meanwhile, the Centre slapped Public Safety Act (PSA) in September. While Mehbooba Mufti has been moved to a detention Centre, both 83-year-old Farooq and Omar Abdullah have preferred to stay in their Srinagar residences.

(With PTI inputs)