Srinagar, Feb 6: Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, a Member of the Ethics Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA from Budgam, has sought the withdrawal of FIRs lodged against youth in Jammu and Kashmir over expressions of solidarity with Palestine.
In a formal communication to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Aga Syed Muntazir urged intervention in what he described as cases involving peaceful youth activism.
In his representation, the MLA said the FIRs were filed against young people who 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 warned that criminal proceedings could have long-term social and psychological consequences.
Aga Syed Muntazir said Kashmir’s youth have historically expressed concern over global humanitarian issues and that engagement 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 rebuild trust between the administration and the younger generation.
The MLA further said that reconciliation and dialogue, instead of criminalisation, are 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.
He added that the issue was raised as part of broader concerns related to youth engagement and civil liberties during the ongoing Assembly proceedings. (Agencies)
