Former dy speaker among 4 leaders released in J&K

SRINAGAR: A day after five mainstream leaders were set free, Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday released four more leaders including former deputy speaker of the assembly, officials said.

Officials said the released leaders included -- Nazir Gurezi (National Conference), former minister Abdul Haq Khan, Peoples Conference leader Mohammad Abbas Wani and Haji Abdul Rasheed, former Congress legislator. A senior police officer confirmed the release of the four leaders. “Four leaders have been set free,” the police officer said.

These leaders were placed under house arrest ahead of August 5 when special status of J&K was removed by the parliament along with dozens of other political leaders. Earlier this month nine leaders were released from MLA hostel.

Currently 21 leaders are still detained at MLA hostel including 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 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. The officials said that other detained leaders will be released in a phased manner.