The arrest of a Gujjar leader who was leading the protests over the murder of 8-year-old girl Asifa Bano and police action on the protesters in Kathua district echoed in the Legislative Assembly on Monday with legislators slamming the government for these actions.
As soon as proceedings of the Assembly began this morning, Congress MLA GM Saroori flayed the government for using force on the protesters who were demanding action against the accused. “It is very unfortunate that people participating in the Rasm-e-Chauhram of the deceased girl were lathicharged. Is this the way (to deal with the people)?” he asked. He said several people were injured in the police action.
Asifa, a girl from Gujjar-Bakerwal community, was abducted on January 10 when she had gone to search for a mule owned by her family. Her body was recovered on the outskirts of her native village on January 17.
Her death has triggered protests inside and outside the Assembly, with protesters and the opposition seeking action against the police for “not making efforts” to trace her after she was abducted. In a damage-control move, the government has suspended the local SHO for “lax” approach.
Seconding Saroori, chairman of PDF and MLA Khansahab Hakim Muhammad Yasin said the government should take all measures so that situation should not take ugly turn.
Later, MLA Pahalgam Altaf Kaloo (Wani) raised the issue of arrest of Choudhary Talib, a social activist from Gujjar community, and demanded his immediate release.” He has not committed any sin. He was only seeking justice for minor girl,” he said.
He said it is unfortunate that “government is preparing a PSA dossier” against him for seeking justice for the minor girl.
Responding to the legislator, minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Javiad Mustafa said he will come up with a statement later in the House.
Talib, a law graduate from Jammu university, has been vocal against the “selective” eviction drive carried out by government in Jammu region.
Meanwhile, Minister for Parlaimentary Affairs Abdur Rehman Veeri informed the House that Talib would be released.
“He has been taken into preventive custody,” he said, adding that he would be released.