Tribal rights activist Talib Chowdhary’s arrest sends ‘chilling negative message’: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Jun 7: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday demanded the release of her party leader and tribal rights activist Talib Chowdhary, saying his arrest sends a “chilling negative message” to the Gujjar-Bakerwal community.

“Unfortunate that PDP Leader and leading social activist Talib Chowdhary has been jailed for fighting for the rights of the poor marginalised tribal community,” Mehbooba said in a post on X.

Chowdhary was arrested on June 1 following clashes with law-enforcing agencies during a demolition drive in Sidhra area of Jammu in May this year.

“Treating him like a criminal simply for taking out a peaceful march against an arbitrary demolition drive in Sidhra sends a ‘chilling negative message’ to Gujjar Bakerwals who have always stood by India,” the former chief minister said.

She also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Jammu and Kashmir Police to release the tribal leader. (PTI)