SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday extended PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s detention under the stringent Public Safety Act by another three months but released Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Gani Lone ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
Mehbooba, who is detained since the scrapping of Article 370 on August 5 last year, was initially lodged at Cheshma Shahi hut and then shifted to a government accommodation at Maulana Azad Road. On April 7, she was shifted to her residence at Gupkar Road, Srinagar. Mehbooba’s PSA detention was to expire on August 5.
The former chief minister is the only mainstream leader still under PSA detention. Former CMs Farooq and Omar Abdullah were also booked under the Act, but their detention was revoked over the months.
“The petition challenging her unlawful detention has been pending in SC since 26th February. Where does one seek justice?” Mehbooba’s daughter Iltija Mufti tweeted.
Under the PSA, an accused can be detained without trial for six months and the detention can be extended up to two years. Senior PDP leader Firdous Tak said the detention order speaks a lot about the situation on the ground as well as the approach of the Centre towards Jammu and Kashmir.
“People who claim themselves to be champions of democracy and talk about political process actually want parroting of their nefarious plans. No measures of suppression and oppression will curb the genuine aspiration but instead will strengthen our stand and commitment,” the former MLC claimed.
On the other hand, the government lifted restrictions on Lone and set him free. The separatist-turned-mainstream politician was under house detention at his government accommodation at Church Lane, Srinagar since February 5. “Finally 5 days short of a year I have been officially informed that I am a free man. So much has changed. So have I. Jail was not a new experience. Earlier ones were harsh with usual doses of physical torture. But this was psychologically draining. Much to share hopefully soon (sic),” he tweeted, after his release