Tribal leaders, PDP demand release of arrested nomad leader Talib Hussain in Jammu
Tribal leaders and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday (June 2, 2026) demanded the release of tribal leader Choudhary Talib Hussain, who was arrested by the J&K Police on Monday (June 1, 2026) following a clash at a site in Jammu where authorities were carrying out demolitions of a tribal community on May 32 during the “May 32 May Structures”.
A police spokesperson said they have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in Jammu Bandi Ragoora following alleged stone pelting, obstruction of duty and provocative remarks by Talib Hussain during an unauthorized protest. “Aerial warning shots have been fired and an investigation is underway,” police said.
Mr. Hussian, a known tribal leader, was stopped by the J&K Police from holding any gathering at the demolition site “without permission”. Mr. Hussian intended to lead 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 a tribal leader at the scene.
Condemning Mr Hussain’s arrest, PDP leader Iltija Mufti said: “The arrest of a political leader for peacefully expressing the concerns of vulnerable and marginalized citizens reflects a disturbing intolerance of dissent and democratic expression.
Ms Mufti said that instead of dealing with troubled families, addressing their grievances and ensuring that justice is done, the administration has taken the path of intimidation by targeting those who speak on behalf of the poor and neglected sections of the society.
“The arrest of Mr. Hussain for standing by the affected families is deeply unfortunate and raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to democratic values and civil liberties,” Ms Mufti said.
She said the demolition of houses belonging to economically weak families and tribal communities had already raised widespread concern, even the government had set up a commission of inquiry, which has not released its findings till date.
“The people of J&K have a constitutional right to voice their grievances peacefully. The repeated use of force, detention and intimidation against those demanding justice only deepens public alienation and erodes trust in institutions,” Ms Mufti said.
Ms Mufti demanded the “immediate release” of Mr Hussain, who is also a member of the PDP.
Dozens of tribal leaders from the Pir Panjal valley also came 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 in Bandi and Sidra and demanding the implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006 in J&K,” said Mohd Shahnawaz Choudhary, a tribal leader from Poonch district.
He said that instead of providing justice to the affected families, the government is busy suppressing voices seeking justice. “Silencing peaceful activists is not the answer. Democracy requires dialogue, not repression,” Choudhary said.
Published – 03 Jun 2026 08:26 IST