“All Detained Protesters must be Immediately Released in Katra, demands Sawhney
Jammu:TDD,Former Minister J&K and senior Congress leader Yogesh Sawhney, along with J&K Congress Sewa Dal Chief Vijay Sharma, joined the ongoing protests in Katra to extend their support to the protesters. While joining the protest, they demanded the immediate release of 18 protesters who were detained by the administration in earlier protests against the ropeway project. The J&K Congress leaders said that they will show solidarity to the protesters on this issue as they are fighting for their right, and while the world is happily celebrating the new year to come, the families of the detained protesters are in distress due to the administration’s actions. The protestors were energized by the support of senior Congress leaders, vowed to continue their peaceful demonstration until their demands are met.
Addressing the issue, Former Minister J&K Yogesh Sawhney criticized the administration for suppressing the voices of people fighting for their rights. They expressed their disappointment over the arrests, calling it a blatant misuse of power and an infringement on democratic values. The proposed project which is being resisted by the local traders will hamper the livelihood of thousands of families who earn their bread and butter from the pilgrimage. It is very shocking that the administration instead of listening to the genuine concerns of the traders who are major stakeholders in this issue, they are detaining and arresting the protesters. This is highly condemnable.
Sawhney further said that while the world is preparing to celebrate the New Year with joy and hope, it is deeply saddening that here in Katra, people demanding their rightful dues are being silenced by detentions. The administration’s actions are unjust and unacceptable. These individuals have committed no crime; they were merely exercising their constitutional right to protest. Sawhney urged the government to release the detained individuals immediately and address the concerns of the protestors.
Also speaking on the matter, Congress Sewa Dal Chief Vijay Sharma stated that the Congress party has always stood with the people and for the people. We cannot remain silent when such injustice is being meted out to innocent citizens. The administration must remember that democracy thrives on dialogue and understanding, not on high-handed tactics. We demand that the detained members be released unconditionally and the grievances of the protestors be addressed at the earliest. We will continue to question administration’s handling of dissent, and its commitment to democratic principles.TDD