Srinagar, Feb 6: Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Member of the Ethics Committee, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking withdrawal of FIRs allegedly lodged against youths in Jammu and Kashmir for expressing solidarity with Palestine.
In his letter dated February 6, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi said that the Government of India has historically extended diplomatic and humanitarian support to the people of Palestine, a position reaffirmed on several occasions, including the recent 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meet and the Delhi Declaration. He noted that such engagements reflect India’s long-standing commitment to justice, dialogue, and peaceful expression of solidarity on global humanitarian issues.
The MLA expressed concern that FIRs have reportedly been registered against certain youths in Jammu and Kashmir for holding Palestinian flags and expressing solidarity, actions which he said were peaceful and without any intent to disturb public order. He maintained that such expressions align with India’s stated foreign policy position and that criminal proceedings in such cases risk alienating the youth and undermining democratic freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi emphasised that at a time when confidence-building and constructive engagement with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are crucial, such measures may convey a sense of inconsistency and injustice. He urged the Union Home Minister to review the matter with compassion and constitutional foresight.
Requesting immediate intervention, the MLA appealed to Amit Shah to direct the withdrawal of the FIRs, stating that such a step would send a strong message of reassurance, uphold democratic values, and reinforce public faith in the fairness and uniformity of the rule of law. (KNC)
