A significant political event unfolded in Srinagar when Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference (NC), sought to meet Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh. However, police barricades obstructed his access to Singh’s residence at the Government Circuit house. Undeterred, Singh climbed over the gate to meet and converse with Abdullah. During their meeting, both leaders denounced the police’s conduct, claiming it was politically driven and under the direction of the Lieutenant Governor.
This meeting transpired against a backdrop of escalating tensions related to the detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Abdullah appealed to the government to re-evaluate its decision, arguing that using the PSA against an elected official was unjustified. He highlighted the additional difficulties the district of Doda was facing, including the recent floods.
While Abdullah disapproved of the Doda MLA’s actions towards the Deputy Commissioner of Doda, he maintained that the consequences should not have been so severe. He reiterated the PSA should be revoked and that the MLA should also express remorse for his language. Sanjay Singh joined Abdullah in criticizing the government’s approach. He contended that the police actions were an attempt to silence opposition and intimidate elected officials.
In addition, Abdullah expressed his approval of the recently introduced goods train services in Kashmir, seeing it as a positive development in light of the continuous disruptions on the Srinagar-Jammu National highway.