Mir writes to Shah, seeks release of former CMs

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 19

Breaking his silence, Peoples Democratic Party MP Fayaz Mir has written to the Union Home Minster Amit Shah, demanding the release of three former chief ministers and all political leaders detained since the abrogation of Article 370.

“We strongly demand the release of political leaders, party workers and three chief ministers, who have been detained for more than three and a half months now,” read the letter.

The letter comes after opposition parties on Monday sought Farooq Abdullah’s release. While MP Abdullah has been detained under the Public Safety Act and lodged at his Gupkar home in Srinagar, two former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti are under preventive detention.

Mir also alleged that party workers were “dealt in a very humiliating manner” when they were shifted to a “new sub-jail”.

At least, 33 political leaders, including former ministers, were shifted to MLA hostel in the heart of city and there were allegations that the leaders were manhandled while shifting. However, the police refuted the allegations.

“Recently, when the leaders were being shifted to a new sub-jail they were dealt in a very humiliating and downgrading manner...they were detained in a place which was too small in size,” the letter read.

“At the moment, the MLA Hostel houses 33 detained political leaders and to undertake the democratic process in Kashmir, the release of the jailed leaders is a pre-requisite and essential as well,” the MP wrote.

“We still believe that democracy is the most potent method to resolve the issues and differences that have created unrest among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir is facing a huge humanitarian and political crisis for 108 days now. There is fear psychosis, ambiguity and insecurity in the hearts and minds of people about their future in Jammu and Kashmir,” the letter read.

It further added the people of J&K had also been subjected to an intense communication blackout, which had affected not only communication between people all over the Valley, but has also affected daily life functioning.

“It is fundamental that the highest authorities within the Government of India reach out to the people of J&K and resolve their queries,” it added.