Farooq free after seven months

months, but was suddenly revoked on Friday afternoon.

J&K principal secretary (home) Shaleen Kabra announced the release of Abdullah on Friday. The order on his release was also posted by Rohit Kansal, spokesperson for the newly formed Union territory’s administration, on his Twitter account.

Abdullah was detained at his house on Gupkar Road, which had been declared a sub-jail. He spoke to reporters briefly from the terrace of his house in the presence of his wife Molly and daughter Safia. He didn’t answer any political questions.

He said he would speak on political matters only after the other detained leaders are released. “I will answer no question, nor speak of any political matter till everyone is released. It is only when they are released that I will be able to dwell on political matters. Today I am free. I am thankful to all the parliamentary members who spoke for our freedom. They spoke for my freedom, they fought for my freedom in Parliament. I will be able to go to Delhi and attend Parliament and speak for the people.’’

Abdullah’s release was welcomed by the NC, which said the move was a right step towards restoration of a genuine political process in J&K. “As the pre-eminent political party of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference has played a key role in strengthening the voice of the people through democracy and will continue to do so,” it said in a statement. Other political leaders also welcomed his freedom from detention. Former Union minister and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said he hoped that “...he will soon resume his rightful place on the front bench of the Lok Sabha, where he can address with his usual compelling vigour the issues facing his state and the state of the nation. His detention was a disgrace”.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury said Abdullah’s release had been long overdue. “The imposition of PSA on and detention of Dr Farooq Abdullah was illegal, undemocratic and unconstitutional. We have all been concerned about his health and well being.”