Four more detained leaders in Kashmir released

CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 21 LEADERS IN DETENTION IN THE VALLEY, INCLUDING FORMER CHIEF MINISTERS

SRINAGAR: A day after five mainstream leaders were set free, J&K government on Friday released four more leaders, including former deputy speaker of J&K assembly.

On Thursday, five leaders, including three former legislators, were released by the government from MLA hostel Srinagar.

The leaders who were released on Friday are associated with the National Conference (NC), Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Officials said the released leaders included – former Gurez legislator Nazir Gurezi, (NC), former minister (PDP) Abdul Haq, Abas Wani (Peoples Conference) and former Congress MLA Haji Rashid.

A senior police officer confirmed about release of the four leaders. “Four leaders have been set free,” he said. These leaders were placed under house arrest ahead of August 5 when special status of J&K was removed by the Parliament. Earlier this month, nine leaders were released from MLA hostel.

Currently, 21 leaders are still detained at MLA hostel that include People Conference chairman Sajjad Lone, former IAS officer Shah Fasel and NC general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar.

However, there are dozens of other leaders who have been placed under house arrest, majority of them former ministers and legislators.

Only last week, a group of former ministers and legislators had met Lt Governor G C Marmu and a group of 16 foreign envoys.

In both the meetings, these leaders led by former minister Altaf Bukhari had advocated for the release of three former CM’S and other mainstream leaders from their detention.

Farooq Abdullah is detained at his Gupkar House and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is detained at a government house at MA Road.

Another chief minister, Omar Abdullah, who is lodged at Hari Niwas, is being shifted within next few days. The officials said that other detained leaders will be released in a phased manner.