PDP MLA Urges Home Minister to Withdraw FIRs Against Jammu Kashmir Youth | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: MLA Budam, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking the withdrawal of FIRs allegedly registered against youths in Jammu and Kashmir for expressing solidarity with Palestine.

In a letter dated February 6, Mehdi said India has consistently supported the Palestinian cause on diplomatic and humanitarian grounds, a position reiterated at international forums, including the recent India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meet and the Delhi Declaration. He said the policy reflects India’s commitment to justice, dialogue and the peaceful expression of views on global humanitarian issues.

The MLA expressed concern over reports that FIRs were lodged against youths for holding Palestinian flags and expressing solidarity. He maintained that the actions were peaceful, posed no threat to public order and were in line with India’s stated foreign policy stance.

Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly in Jammu, Mehdi said it was contradictory to file cases against Kashmiri youths for expressions of solidarity when India had reiterated support for Palestinians at international platforms. He urged the Union Home Minister to issue directions for the withdrawal of the cases and said he would also raise the matter with the Lieutenant Governor.

Mehdi cautioned that criminal action in such cases could alienate young people and undermine democratic freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution. He said confidence-building with the youth was essential and warned that such measures could create a sense of inconsistency and injustice.

While speaking to the media, the MLA also referred to public welfare concerns ahead of the Budget, calling for measures to ease daily hardships, particularly electricity-related issues affecting poor households. He sought relief for BPL and AAY families and said issues concerning persons with disabilities should be addressed to ensure dignity and inclusion.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Jammu late Thursday night on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.