Release detained J&K politicians before Eid: Omar to PM Modi

SRINAGAR: National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Wednesday appealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release detained politicians ahead of Eid.

Since his release, Omar has been making frequent appeals to the Centre seeking release of detained political leaders and those still under house arrest.

“We are days away from Eid. @narendramodi ji should order the release of all detained politicians in J&K, whether under formal detention orders or informal house arrest,” Omar tweeted.

Abdullah also questioned the J&K administration for not replying to the petition challenging the PSA of NC general secretary, Ali Mohammad Sager, who is under detention since August 5.

“The J&K government has had since the 3rd of April to file its reply to the petition challenging the PSA detention of Ali Mohd Sagar Sb & today again failed to do so. The court is happy to let the govt play for time & gave it to them till 1st June. Clearly, they have no suitable reply to give,” Omar said in another tweet.

Srinagar MP Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti were also slapped with the Public Safety Act (PSA).

While most politicians were released after their preventive detention ended, many were put under house arrest. However, five to six top politicians, including NC general secretary Ali Mohammad Sager and former IAS officer Shah Faesal, are detained under the PSA. Former J&K chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Lone continue to remain under house arrest.