Srinagar: National Conference Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi raised sharp questions on Sunday about his house arrest and the detention of students before the proposed protest, directly challenging the elected government to clarify its position on the reservation issue, political prisoners, and the role of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.
Addressing the issue publicly, Ruhullah asked under whose direction he was placed under house arrest, and students were arrested, asserting that he hoped the action was not ordered by the elected government but taken at the behest of the LG administration. He questioned whether the government would continue to wait as file remains with the LG office or use this as a convenient escape route to avoid responsibility.
The MP expressed disappointment over what he described as the silence of the elected government on the students’ protest, asking why ministers did not join the agitation if they were not responsible for his detention. He reminded that he had openly called upon leaders to come out and support the students but saw no visible participation from the government side.
Ruhullah further asked when the government intended to actively support the reservation issue, questioning whether it would continue to delay action citing procedural hurdles. He also raised the issue of political prisoners and under-trial detainees, asking whether the elected government was prepared to stand with affected families and take the matter to New Delhi through a sit-in protest.
In a direct challenge to the Chief Minister, Ruhullah asked whether he would accompany him to Delhi to demand a discussion in Parliament on the 2024 resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly regarding special status. He questioned whether that resolution, like the reservation file, had been effectively consigned to neglect.
The MP said these questions were directed squarely at the elected government, seeking clear answers and concrete action rather than continued silence. [KNT]
