PDP Leader Ashraf Malik Urges Omar Abdullah to Raise Kashmir Youth Detentions With Centre
Senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mohammad Ashraf Malik has expressed concern over the reported detention and arrest of a large number of young people across Kashmir following the recent terror attack in Anantnag. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Malik criticised the National Conference-led government, alleging that it had failed to protect people from what he described as heavy-handed state action.
‘Silence Is Not an Option,’ Says Malik
Mohammad Ashraf Malik, who is also the PDP’s in-charge for the Doru (Shahabad–Breng) constituency, said the government could not justify its silence by claiming that police and law-and-order matters were outside its control.
He said people expected their elected government to speak up and take up the issue with the Union Government, rather than offering explanations or engaging in political rhetoric.
“People are not expecting miracles. They expect their elected government to raise its voice and strongly take up the matter with the Union Government,” Malik said.
Calls on Omar Abdullah to Meet Union Home Minister
Malik urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally raise the issue with the Union Home Minister, saying innocent young people should not face unnecessary harassment.
He said Omar Abdullah should have travelled to New Delhi to present the concerns of Kashmir’s youth instead of allowing political attention to shift towards criticism of the PDP.
“This is a time for responsible leadership that inspires public confidence, not political point-scoring,” Malik said.
📊 PDP’s Main Demands
| Issue | PDP’s Position |
|---|---|
| Reported youth detentions | Review all cases fairly |
| Role of J&K Government | Raise the issue with the Centre |
| Omar Abdullah | Personally intervene with Union Home Minister |
| Innocent detainees | Release those with no involvement in offences |
Appeal for Fair and Humane Approach
Malik appealed to the Union Government to adopt a humane and impartial approach while dealing with the reported detentions.
He said individuals with no involvement in serious offences should not suffer because of security operations.
“No civilised society can justify violence, and no sensible person supports it. But incarcerating people on flimsy grounds is equally unacceptable,” he said.
According to Malik, such actions cause emotional distress not only to those detained but also to their families.
Calls for Immediate Review of Cases
The PDP leader urged both the Union Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to examine every detention individually and release anyone found to be innocent.
He stressed that justice must remain fair and impartial.
“Justice must be fair and impartial. Innocent young people should never be made to pay the price for crimes they did not commit,” Malik added.
