Political Firestorm in Srinagar
New Delhi, September 11 — A sharp political controversy has erupted after former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was prevented by police from meeting AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in Srinagar. Singh went to protest the arrest of MLA Mehraj Malik, who is detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
“A former CM, in his own state, not being allowed to meet an MP? Outright hooliganism and dictatorship,” said AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, via an X post. Singh in turn shared visuals, saying: “If this is not dictatorship, then what is it?”
Abdullah also condemned the restriction. He said stopping Singh from protesting or speaking was “absolutely wrong.” Moreover, he criticized the Lieutenant Governor for using his powers, saying they are being misused.
What Happened at the Guesthouse
During the incident, Jammu & Kashmir police prevented Sanjay Singh and MLA Imran Hussain from leaving the government guesthouse where they were staying. They were to hold a press conference and protest over Malik’s PSA detention. Farooq Abdullah tried to enter the premises to meet Singh but was stopped. Singh even tried scaling the gate.
Omar Abdullah, current Chief Minister and son of Farooq Abdullah, questioned the legality of constraining Singh. He asked whether any preventive detention order had been issued, and under which law the actions were taken.
Kejriwal’s Criticism and Democratic Rights Debate
Kejriwal accused the Centre and local authorities of suppressing democratic rights. He called the incident “hooliganism and dictatorship.” Singh called for his constitutional rights, saying democratic protest and speech are guaranteed. Abdullah weighed in, noting that in a Union Territory like J&K, the LG holds powerful authority, which he claimed is being used wrongly.
Is There Any Government Response?
So far, there is no public official statement from the Jammu & Kashmir Police or the Lieutenant Governor’s office responding to the allegations. Authorities have not yet addressed claims of preventing the protest, restricting Singh’s movement, or whether Singh was placed under house arrest.
Omar Abdullah, leading the state government, has questioned the actions but has not confirmed any legal justification presented by the authorities. Meanwhile, the administration’s silence has fuelled opposition claims that constitutional and democratic norms are under threat.
Constitutional and Political Implications
Critics argue that such control of political activity may erode trust in democratic institutions. Supporters of the government counter that law and order and public safety are priorities. But the lack of official justification so far leaves key constitutional questions unresolved.