Authorities foil AIP’s protest against amendments in MGNREGA

AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi condemned the authorities for barring the party from holding peaceful protests in Bandipora and Baramulla districts against the recent amendments in MGNREGA

Authorities on Monday foiled Awami Ittehad Party’s (AIP) protests against MGNREGA amendments in Bandipora and Baramulla districts.

On Saturday, similar protest of party workers and leaders was foiled in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. (File)

On Saturday, similar protest of party workers and leaders was foiled in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi condemned the authorities for barring the party from holding peaceful protests in Bandipora and Baramulla districts against the recent amendments in MGNREGA.

“The administration imposed unjustified restrictions and prevented AIP leaders and workers from assembling to voice public concerns over what the party terms as anti-worker and anti-poor changes in the employment guarantee scheme,” he said, adding that the move reflects intolerance towards democratic dissent and an attempt to silence voices questioning policies that directly affect livelihoods.

The AIP chief spokesperson said that the authorities barred several senior party leaders, including general secretary Prince Parveez, DDC Muzaffar Dar, professor Naseer Rather, Ajaz Lone, Mohammad Akbar, Farooq Ahmad and Inayat Ahmad from participating in the proposed protests. “Stopping political leaders from peacefully expressing people’s grievances is a direct assault on democratic norms and constitutional rights,” he said.