Tribal leaders, PDP demand release of arrested nomadic community leader Talib Hussain in Jammu

Tribal leaders and 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 an encounter in the area in Jammu, where authorities demolished 32 structures belonging to the tribal community on May 19 during the “anti-encroachment campaign”.

A police spokesperson said they registered a First Information Report (FIR) at Bandi Ragoora in Jammu following allegations that Talib Hussain was involved in stone pelting, obstruction of duty and making provocative speeches during an unauthorized protest. “Warning shots were fired from the air and the investigation is ongoing,” police said.

Mr. Hussian, a prominent tribal leader, was prevented from holding any “unauthorised” meeting at the demolition site by the J&K Police. Mr. Hussian intended to lead a protest march from Jammu to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office in Srinagar. Authorities said there was a heated argument between a police officer and a tribal leader in the area.

Condemning the arrest of Mr Hussain, PDP leader Iltija Mufti said: “The arrest of a political leader for peacefully voicing the concerns of vulnerable and marginalized citizens reflects an alarming intolerance towards dissent and democratic expression.

Ms. Mufti said that instead of contacting distressed families, voicing their grievances and ensuring justice is served, the administration has chosen to target and intimidate those who speak on behalf of the poor and neglected sections of the society.

“The arrest of Mr Hussain for standing with the affected families is extremely unfortunate and raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to democratic values ​​and civil liberties,” Ms Mufti said.

He said the demolition of houses belonging to economically weak families and tribal communities had already created widespread concern, with the government even constituting an inquiry committee which has not published its findings till date.

“The people of J&K have the constitutional right to peacefully express their grievances. The continued use of force, detentions and intimidation against those seeking justice will only deepen the alienation of the people and erode trust in institutions,” Ms. Mufti said.

Ms. Mufti demanded the “immediate release” of Mr. Hussain, who is also a member of the PDP.

A large number of tribal leaders from the Pir Panjal valley also came out in support of Mr. Hussian. Mohd Shahnawaz Choudhary, a tribal leader from Poonch district, said, “I strongly condemn the arrest of Mr. Hussain while he was leading a peaceful march from Jammu to Srinagar in solidarity with the victims of the demolition attempt in Bandi and Sidra and demanding implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in J&K.”

He said that instead of providing justice to the affected families, the government was busy suppressing voices seeking justice. “Silencing peaceful protesters is not the solution. Democracy requires dialogue, not oppression,” Mr. Choudhary said.