Srinagar, Feb 6,: Member of the Ethics Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA from Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has sought the withdrawal of FIRs lodged against youth in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with expressions of solidarity with Palestine.
Aga Syed Muntazir addressed a formal communication to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging intervention in what he described as cases involving peaceful youth activism.
In his representation, the MLA said the FIRs were registered against young people who had raised humanitarian concerns related to Palestine, and argued that such actions should not be treated as criminal offences. He stressed that the youth involved posed no threat to public order and that criminal proceedings could have long term social and psychological consequences.
Aga Syed Muntazir said Kashmir’s youth have historically voiced concerns on global humanitarian issues and that engaging with such causes should be viewed through a democratic and compassionate lens rather than a punitive one. He maintained that withdrawing the FIRs would send a positive message and help reinforce trust between the administration and the younger generation.
The MLA further stated that reconciliation and dialogue, rather than criminalisation, were essential to preserving democratic values and social harmony in the region. He urged the Union Home Ministry to review the cases on humanitarian grounds and exercise discretion in the larger interest of justice.
The matter, he said, was raised as part of broader concerns regarding youth engagement and civil liberties during the ongoing Assembly proceedings.
[KNT]
