Srinagar, Dec. 28 -- National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday defended the detention of leaders after a student protest on reservation issues in Jammu and Kashmir was foiled, while the party's spokesperson and legislator Tanvir Sadiq criticized authorities for placing Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi under house arrest and detaining student leaders.

The protest, which was scheduled for today at 11 AM in Srinagar, could not take place as security forces blocked gatherings following the detention of JKNC MP Ruhullah Mehdi and other leaders.

Responding to a question about the house arrest of several leaders after their planned protest over reservation was foiled, Abdullah in Pahalgam said his government is focused on ...