Aga Ruhullah’s supporters hold protest in Bandipora against Deputy CM’s remarks

Bandipora, Oct 21: Supporters of Member Parliament (MP) Agha Ruhullah Mehdi in the Nowgam area of Sonawari in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Tuesday staged a protest against Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, demanding an apology for his alleged remarks against Ruhullah.

Speaking to reporters, the protesters said, “Unless the Deputy CM apologises for his remarks, we won’t back down.” They said they would launch valley-wide protests to denounce the comments.

“Wherever there are Agha’s supporters, we will stage protests at those places,” the agitated protesters warned. The protesters questioned the Deputy CM’s political affiliations, saying he had been associated with all major political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the BJP. “His remarks suggest that he is preparing for his next move from NC, which is unacceptable,” one of the protesters alleged.

Holding placards against Choudhary and in support of Ruhullah, they raised slogans demanding that “Surinder Choudhary should come to his senses.” The protesters said they were hopeful that “he will apologise soon to clear the air as to why he made such remarks,” or else they demanded a “party inquiry” into the matter. Reportedly, the Deputy CM had endorsed Agha Syed Mahmood from Budgam as the candidate for the upcoming elections in that constituency during a rally.