SRINAGAR: The PDP-BJP coalition government has continued with its tough policy in Jammu and Kashmir and has not released any detained separatist leader or youth as a “goodwill gesture” on this Eid.
Infact, authorities on Friday arrested JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik.
Official sources said the State’s Home department, which is headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has not ordered the release of any detainee including separatist leaders or youth arrested for indulging in stone pelting charges and participating in protests.
They said over 500 people including some separatist leaders and activists, religious leaders and youth arrested during over a five-month long unrest in the Valley last year continue to be behind the bars.
The security forces had launched a massive crackdown against separatists and youth indulging in stone pelting and participating in anti-India protests during the five-month long unrest in the Valley triggered by killing of 21-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, 2016.
Thousands of people including separatist leaders, activists and youth were arrested during the crackdown last year and over 500 still continue to be in detention.
Sources said no communication has been received by concerned departments about releasing some prisoners on Eid as a “goodwill gesture”.
In previous years, many detainees were released by the government before Eid as a “goodwill gesture”.
Sources said the PDP-BJP coalition government has decided to discontinue this practice this year in view of continued tension in the Valley.
“There is apprehension that if some of the detained separatist leaders, activists and youth are released at this time, it would have an adverse impact on the law and order situation in the state. The government is trying hard to restore peace and normalcy in the State, especially in the Valley. The situation is still very fragile and government cannot take any decision which will have a negative impact on law and order situation,” they said.
According to sources, the detainees could be released as a “goodwill gesture” after the Eid if there is further improvement in the situation in the Valley.
They said the security agencies are keeping a close tab on the situation and movement of separatists. “The government won’t shy away from more arrests if the need is felt.”
Police, meanwhile, today arrested pro-independence JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik from his Maisuma residence in uptown Srinagar.
A JKLF spokesman said party organizer Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri was also arrested along with Malik. Both have been shifted to Central Jail, Srinagar.
The hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani continues to be under house arrest while curbs on the moderate separatist leader and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were lifted recently after about two months.