Srinagar
Welcoming the shifting of Mehbooba Mufti from a makeshift jail to her residence, Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) on Tuesday demanded the immediate release of all political leaders and activists who are still under preventive detention post-August 5, 2019 in and outside J&K jails.
In a statement issued here, Rafi Ahmad Mir, a former legislator and JKAP leader urged the government of India to take a purpose-oriented call on these unwarranted detentions and free all political detainees including Mehbooba Mufti who has now been confined to her home.
“While it is heartening that shifting of Mufti would provide some solace to her family, the situation demands that all political leaders and activists who continue to be under detention on mere suspicion should be freed in order to make the situation more conducive,” Mir observed.
The JKAP leader urged the government to revoke PSA and release Mufti and lift all forms of curbs on the political leaders and activists who are indifferent jails inside and outside J&K or restricted to their residences.
“JKAP demands the immediate release of all political detainees including Ali Mohammad Sagar, Naeem Akhter, Sartaj Madni, Peerzada Mansoor, Shah Faesal, Hilal Rather, Mian Qayoom, Yasin Khan and others without any further delay,” Mir demanded.
He also sought immediate shifting of political activists and workers, who are languishing in jails outside J&K since August 5, 2019, to Jammu and Kashmir after the COVID-19 lockdown is over. “We want to make it clear that a total redemption of the situation is not possible unless all political detainees are released. Shifting of Mufti to her residence, though late, is a step in the right direction and is welcome,” Mir remarked.
