Srinagar, Feb. 17 -- The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Monday expressed concern over the denial of permission to hold a peaceful sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, to press the long-pending demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and other constitutional rights. In a statement issued here, AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the party had formally sought permission to organise a peaceful and democratic protest on February 16 at Jantar Mantar. However, the Delhi Police through an official communication rejected the request. He termed the denial "deeply unfortunate" and said it reflects shrinking democratic space for peaceful and constitutional dissent. htc...