Aga Ruhullah criticises Govt over silence on Sidra demolition drive

Member of Parliament from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday strongly criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government over the Sidra demolition drive, accusing it of maintaining a disappointing silence and failing to address growing public concern over the incident.

Speaking to reporters after visiting Mawer Langate to offer condolences on the demise of Er Rashid’s father, Ruhullah said the elected government should have immediately responded to the situation.

“The elected government should have immediately responded by issuing an official statement, visiting the affected area and placing all facts before the people,” he said.

Ruhullah said such incidents had been occurring repeatedly in different forms and questioned the government’s inability to intervene.

“If the Omar Abdullah-led government is unable to stop these incidents, it should at least tell the people who is behind them so that they know whom to hold accountable,” Ruhullah said.

He further said that elected representatives cannot remain silent when people are demanding answers.

“The government’s continued silence reflects its inability and incapability to respond to public issues. The people of Jammu and Kashmir voted with expectations and hope, making accountability from elected representatives both necessary and justified,” he added.

Ruhullah termed it unfortunate that no official statement had been issued so far regarding the demolition drive.

“With every passing day, the government is disappointing the people,” he said.

Responding to a question about the “Cockroach Janata Party” movement, Ruhullah described it as a symbolic and creative expression of public anger rather than a political organisation.

“The movement reflects frustration among youth over the functioning of institutions, including the judiciary, executive and police. It is a serious satire that reflects the anger of the youth, particularly Gen-Z, and their dissatisfaction with institutions,” he said.

The Srinagar MP also alleged that dissent and freedom of expression were increasingly being suppressed through police action, court interventions and suspension of social media accounts associated with such movements.

“Peaceful and democratic voices cannot be silenced permanently,” he said.

Calling the movement “a beautiful and creative idea”, Ruhullah said such expressions of dissent would continue to emerge despite attempts to suppress them.