People have right to criticize people in authority: Omar Abdullah

People have right to criticize people in authority: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, June 11, KNT: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah Friday said the criticism of people enjoying power is the right of every citizen in a democracy and thin-skinned leaders should stop hiding behind out-dated laws.

Abdullah’s remarks came a day after the Lakshadweep police registered a case of sedition against local resident and film activist Aisha Sultana for calling the Union Territory’s administrator, Praful K Patel, a bio-weapon being used by the Centre on the island’s people during a TV debate. The complaint against her was filed by BJP.

“Criticism of Patel (Lakshadweep administrator Praful Patel) does not constitute sedition. In a democracy, if that’s what we still want to claim to be, criticism of people in positions of authority is the right of every citizen. These thin skinned ‘leaders’ should stop hiding behind such archaic laws, he wrote on Twitter. (KNT)