Independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmed staged a protest on Monday at the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly premises, demanding justice for the families of two civilians recently killed in Kathua and Sopore. He also called for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite the rain, Ahmed, who represents the Langate constituency, sat in the assembly premises holding a banner and urging a judicial probe into the deaths of Waseem Mir and Makhan Din.
Protest during budget session
Ahmed attempted to enter the Central Hall and display his banner during the Lieutenant Governor’s address on the first day of the Budget session but was stopped by security personnel.
"I raised the demand for justice for the families of Waseem Mir and Makhan Din. The police and government remain silent on the matter, and even legislators have not spoken up. That is why I took this stand—we want justice for them," Ahmed told reporters outside the assembly.
Demands for judicial probes
Ahmed reiterated his call for judicial probes into both incidents. “We urge the Lieutenant Governor to order independent inquiries into these killings. We will also raise the issue in the Assembly,” he said.
- Waseem Mir, a resident of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, was shot dead by security forces on January 5 after allegedly failing to stop at a checkpoint.
- Makhan Din, who was allegedly tortured in police custody, consumed poison and died by suicide in Kathua on February 4.
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Calls for political reforms
In addition to demanding justice for the victims, Ahmed called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He also urged the government to release political prisoners, halt the termination of employees, and stop using the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
"We demand the release of all political detainees and an end to the indiscriminate use of PSA and UAPA," he asserted.
Resumption of Jammu and Kashmir assembly
The protest coincided with the first Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly after a seven-year gap. This marks the second Assembly session since the formation of the National Conference (NC)-led government in the Union Territory. The previous session was held in Srinagar from November 4 to 8 last year.
The region has undergone significant political changes since August 2019, when the central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and reorganised it into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Ahmed’s protest highlights the continuing demands for statehood restoration and political rights in the region.
Also Read: J&K’s first budget session in 7 yrs begins on a stormy note
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