Tribal leaders and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday (June 2, 2026) demanded the release of tribal leader Choudhary Talib Hussain, who the J&K Police arrested on Monday (June 1, 2026) following a clash at the site in Jammu where the authorities carried out demolitions of 32 structures of tribal community during “anti-encroachment drive” on May 19.
A police spokesman said they registered a First Information Report (FIR) at Jammu’s Bandi Ragoora after alleged stone-pelting, obstruction of duty, and provocative speeches by Talib Hussain during an unauthorised protest. “Aerial warning shots were fired, and an investigation is underway,” said the police.
Mr. Hussian, a well-known tribal leader, was stopped by the J&K Police from holding any assembly at the demolition site “without permission”. Mr. Hussian intended to spearhead a protest march from Jammu to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office in Srinagar. Officials said there was a heated exchange between a police officer and the tribal leader at the site.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti, who condemned the arrest of Mr. Hussain, said, “The arrest of a political leader for peacefully voicing the concerns of vulnerable and marginalised citizens reflects an alarming intolerance towards dissent and democratic expression.
Ms. Mufti said instead of engaging with distressed families, addressing their grievances, and ensuring that justice is done, the administration has chosen the path of intimidation by targeting those who are speaking on behalf of the poor and neglected sections of society.
“Arresting Mr. Hussain for standing alongside affected families is deeply unfortunate and raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to democratic values and civil liberties,“ said Ms. Mufti.
She said the demolition of homes belonging to economically weak families and tribal communities has already generated widespread concern, with even the government constituting an inquiry committee which till today has not published its findings.
“The people of J&K have the constitutional right to peacefully express their grievances. The repeated use of force, detentions, and intimidation against those demanding justice only deepens public alienation and erodes trust in institutions,” said Ms. Mufti.
Ms. Mufti demanded the “immediate release” of Mr. Hussain, who is also a member of the PDP.
Scores of tribal leaders from the Pir Panjal valley have also come out in support of Mr. Hussian. “I strongly condemn the arrest of Mr. Hussain while leading a peaceful march from Jammu to Srinagar in solidarity with the victims of the demolition drive at Bandi and Sidra and demanding implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in J&K,” said Mohd Shahnawaz Choudhary, a tribal leader from Poonch district.
He said instead of delivering justice to the affected families, the government is busy suppressing voices seeking justice. “Silencing peaceful activists is not the answer. Democracy demands dialogue, not repression,” said Mr. Choudhary.
Published – June 03, 2026 08:26 am IST
