J&K Police File FIR Against PDP Leaders Over Article 370 Anniversary Protests in Srinagar
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have lodged a First Information Report (FIR) naming People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, her daughter Iltija Mufti, and several party workers following street demonstrations held in Srinagar to mark the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
What Happened
According to police details cited in the FIR, the case stems from rallies and street protests organized on August 4 and August 5 across Srinagar. The FIR names former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for holding demonstrations without prior police clearance. It also names Iltija Mufti, who headed a late-evening demonstration at Lal Chowk on August 4 before being stopped by security personnel.
The police document alleges that when party workers began moving toward the main road, they were asked not to gather there to avoid disrupting traffic. The FIR states that PDP workers grew aggressive, used criminal force against the police party, obstructed official duties, and engaged in pushing and manhandling, resulting in injuries to multiple police personnel. Specific sections invoked against Iltija Mufti include Section 132 (assaults on a public servant), Section 121 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), and Section 191 (2) regarding mob violence and political rallies. Following the registration of the case, a police team visited Mehbooba Mufti’s residence in Khimber, Srinagar.
Key Highlights
- FIR Against PDP Leadership: Police named Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija Mufti alongside party workers following protests on August 4 and 5.
- Specific Police Allegations: The FIR states that unauthorized gatherings obstructed traffic and that party members assaulted officers, leaving several personnel injured.
- PDP Allegations of Misconduct: Iltija Mufti denied any rioting and accused a police officer of dragging and manhandling her during what she described as a peaceful sit-in.
- CCTV Claims: Iltija Mufti alleged that security personnel erased CCTV footage from nearby shops and demanded that the full footage be released publicly.
- Legal Action Planned: The PDP described the police action as illegal and disproportionate, stating it plans to challenge the matter before a court of law.
Why This Matters
The development highlights sharp administrative and political friction surrounding public demonstrations related to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. While the police cited unauthorized assemblies and violence against officers on duty, the PDP maintained that democratic dissent is being restricted and stated that the action is an effort to intimidate the party against raising the constitutional issue.
What to Watch Next
The PDP has announced that it has eyewitnesses to the incident and intends to bring the matter before a court of law. Further legal proceedings and administrative steps regarding the FIR against the named PDP leaders remain the key developments to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been named in the police FIR?
The FIR names former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, her daughter Iltija Mufti, and several PDP workers following street protests organized in Srinagar.
What specific sections were invoked against Iltija Mufti?
The FIR against Iltija Mufti includes Section 132 (assaults on a public servant), Section 121 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty), and Section 191 (2) relating to mob violence and political rallies.
What is the PDP’s official stance on the case?
The PDP called the FIR a blatant misuse of power and authority. The party claimed the demonstration was peaceful, accused police of using excessive force against its leaders, and confirmed plans to pursue legal remedies in court.
Source: Reported based on coverage by The Hindu.