Kashmiri journalist Asif Sultan released after five years

Srinagar, February 29

Kashmiri journalist Asif Sultan, who was arrested for allegedly providing logistical support to militants, has been released after a five-year detention, officials said on Thursday.

The Jammu and Kashmir HC in December last year quashed his detention order under the Public Safety Act. The court had said the authorities “did not follow the procedural requirements in letter and spirit”.

Officials said his release was delayed because the Ambedkar Nagar district jail authorities were awaiting clearance letters from Kashmir’s Home Department and Srinagar DM. He was first arrested in a UAPA case in September 2018. In April 2022, the HC granted him bail. However, days later he was booked under the PSA.