Srinagar, Mar 15 (JKNS): Several MLAs of the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Saturday met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar and submitted a memorandum seeking the release of detainees and withdrawal of FIRs registered after mourning gatherings held following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A copy of the memorandum, which lies with news agency JKNS, states that the legislators representing various constituencies across the Kashmir Valley urged the Lieutenant Governor to take immediate steps regarding arrests, detentions and registration of FIRs against citizens who participated in mourning gatherings after the death of Khamenei on February 28, 2026.
The MLAs stated in the memorandum that Khamenei was not merely a head of state but, for a significant section of Kashmiri Muslims, a revered religious and spiritual leader and a Marja’ (source of emulation), and therefore his passing was experienced as a moment of deep personal and religious loss.
The memorandum said that despite the peaceful and religious nature of the gatherings, FIRs had been registered against participants, including under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which the MLAs termed a stringent law whose application against mourners sets a concerning precedent.
They also highlighted that several young individuals, including those who had only recently turned eighteen, were among those arrested, and appealed for a compassionate and balanced approach so that their future is not adversely affected by harsh legal proceedings.
The legislators further pointed out that similar mourning gatherings were held in cities such as Lucknow, Kargil, New Delhi and Mumbai without any legal action, adding that prosecuting citizens in Jammu and Kashmir alone for expressing grief undermines the principle of equal citizenship and protection under law.
In the memorandum, the MLAs requested the Lieutenant Governor to ensure the immediate release of all persons detained in connection with the mourning gatherings, withdrawal of all FIRs registered against participants—including those filed under UAPA and related provisions in police stations such as Zadibal, Lalbazar, Chattargam, Pattan, Budgam, Sumbal, Shalteng, Rainawari and Habbakadal—and a halt to any further arrests or punitive measures.
They also urged the administration to consider the release of detainees and withdrawal of cases as a gesture of goodwill as the holy month of Ramzan nears its end and the festival of Eid approaches, stating that such a step would help foster relief, compassion and trust among the people.
The memorandum was signed by MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, MLA Habakadal Shameema Firdous, MLA Pattan Reyaz Bedar and MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tanvir Sadiq said the MLAs had appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to consider the release of youths who were arrested following the protests.
“We are thankful to the LG for listening to us and explaining everything. We appealed to him because Eid is approaching and many of our children are lodged in different jails,” Sadiq said, adding that they requested the authorities to withdraw the FIRs registered against them.
He said the Lieutenant Governor assured them that the matter would be reviewed and considered. “We hope action will be taken as soon as possible. Our opinion is that those who are in jail and those who have spent a long time there should be released with goodwill,” he added. (JKNS)
