National Conference Member of Indian Parliament Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has said that he was prevented from raising the issue of house demolitions in occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the floor of the Parliament of India, calling the situation a case of “controlled democracy.” 

Ruhullah Mehdi in a public statement shared on social media said he had been submitting notices for three consecutive days seeking permission to raise the demolition of journalist Arfaz Ahmad’s house in Jammu as well as demolitions reported from Ganderbal district.

 According to the MP, his intention was to speak on the issue during Zero Hour, however, he claimed that on the third day he was informed by the parliamentary marshal that the subject had been declared “controversial” and that the Speaker had directed that such matters should not be permitted for discussion in the House.

 Ruhullah further said that he was asked to alter the subject and instead raise an issue that was “convenient” for the authorities, a suggestion he publicly rejected. “Controlled democracy,” he wrote, expressing frustration over what he portrayed as restrictions on raising sensitive issues related to Jammu and Kashmir. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)