Kathua girl’s murder: MLA Altaf Kaloo questions arrest of a social activist
Jammu: MLA Pahalgam Altaf Kaloo on Monday questioned in the JK Legislative Assembly the arrest of a social activist here who was arrested by police on Sunday evening for “creating law and order problem”.
Social activist Advocate Talib Hussain was at the forefront of demonstrations held against the “rape” and murder of an 8-year-old girl Asifa Bano in Kathua, Jammu last week.
News agency GNS reported that Talib was arrested on Sunday while he along with hundreds of people were participating in a candlelight protest on Kathua highway against the brutal killing of the minor girl.
The IGP had said that Talib was arrested for creating law and order problem.
According to GNS correspondent, on Monday, MLA Pahalgam Altaf Kaloo stood up from his chair in the assembly and raised the issue of Talib’s arrest. He was supported by other members Vikar Rasool, Hakeem Yaseen, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Alarm Choudhary and MLA Amin Bhat.
Terming the arrest of Talib as “unfortunate”, MLA Kaloo sought the attention of the Speaker and all other members present in the house towards the arrest of a social activist.
Reacting to the question, the minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Javid Mustafa Mir said, “We will get the details and will inform the house regarding his arrest.”
MLA Khansahib Hakeem Yaseen said Talib has not taken up the gun or pelted stones but was seeking justice for the murdered minor girl.
“Talib being a well-qualified person was not involved in any anti-national activity and the reports about his dossier of PSA being prepared will further deteriorate the situation,” MLA said.
He threatened to disrupt the ongoing assembly session forthwith if the advocate is not released.
Another legislator GM Zaroori said Talib has “committed no sin” as he being a Gujar leader has right to raise the issue of his community.
“This is nothing but pressure tactics of government to silence the voice of those seeking justice,” he said, adding, “I will approach the Supreme Court to seek the justice for the minor girl if the government failed.” (GNS)
KV Correspondent
