Srinagar, June 7: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday sought the release of PDP leader and tribal activist Talib Hussain, describing his arrest as unfortunate and alleging that he was being treated like a criminal for protesting against a demolition drive in the Sidhra area of Jammu.
In a statement posted on social media, Mehbooba said Talib Hussain had been working for the rights of poor and marginalized members of the tribal community and questioned the action taken against him.
“Unfortunate that PDP leader and leading social activist Talib Chowdhary has been jailed for fighting for the rights of poor marginalised tribal community,” she said.
Referring to the recent developments linked to the demolition drive at Sidhra, the former chief minister alleged that Talib Hussain was being targeted for organizing what she described as a peaceful march against the action.
Mehbooba said treating him like a criminal for participating in a peaceful protest sent a negative message to members of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities.
She further stated that the tribal communities had consistently contributed to and stood by the country and deserved justice and fair treatment.
Calling for immediate intervention by the authorities, Mehbooba demanded the release of Talib Hussain. [KNT]
