Ghanta Ghar, Lal Chowk a ‘disgrace’, open for music parties but shut to peaceful mourners: Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi

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Srinagar: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has criticised the authorities for sealing the Ghanta Ghar area in Lal Chowk, calling the move “unwarranted” and insensitive to public sentiment during mourning over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

“The closure of Ghanta Ghar is a disgrace. It is available for dance and music parties, which is the symbolic identity you want to attach to it. But when people came out to mourn, to stand in solidarity with the innocent lives being torn apart, it threatens you in spite of the fact that the demonstrations were entirely peaceful. Every single one. No wonder there is word about people from our country named in the Epstein files,” the MP posted.

In a statement posted on social media on Sunday, Mehdi said the restrictions were imposed despite demonstrations remaining peaceful, and objected to what he described as treating expressions of grief as a law-and-order issue. He urged the administration not to interfere in what he termed deeply emotional moments for the people of Kashmir.

The Srinagar MP also questioned the decision to block access to the city centre, arguing that the space has hosted public and cultural events in the past but was restricted when people gathered to express solidarity and mourn civilian deaths.

Authorities have maintained that the curbs, including the sealing of parts of Lal Chowk and deployment of security personnel, were precautionary measures aimed at preventing any escalation and ensuring public safety.