AIP Holds Protest in Handwara Against Arrests Over Anti-Israel Posts; Sheikh Khursheed Demands Immediate Release of Youths

Handwara, April 18: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) today staged a strong protest march in Handwara against the recent arrests of local youths who had uploaded social media posts criticizing Israel and urging a boycott of Israeli products.

The protest, led by AIP Senior Leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed, was joined by scores of AIP activists and supporters. The protestors raised slogans demanding the immediate release of the detained youths and condemned the stifling of democratic expression.

Sheikh Khursheed and other protestors were stopped by police authorities during the march. However, officials assured the MLA that the detained youths, who were involved in uploading the video, would be released soon.

Speaking to media persons on the occasion, Sheikh Khursheed said, “The people of Jammu & Kashmir voted in large numbers not for silence, but so that their voice could reach the highest platforms. Elected representatives have a duty to represent the sentiments and aspirations of the people, not suppress them.”

He further emphasized that expressing solidarity with the oppressed and calling for boycott of aggressors is a democratic right and must not be criminalized.

AIP reiterated its firm stand against all forms of repression and pledged to continue raising the voice of the people with courage and clarity.