Jammu and Kashmir National Conference today expressed grave concern over continued detention of mainstream leaders including three former chief ministers in Kashmir and sought their release for restoration of genuine political activities in this part of the country.
In a joint statement, marking five months of detention of the National Conference leaders and others since the abrogation of Article 370, the party expressed anguish over slapping of Public Safety Act on five times chief minister and sitting Member Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah and its further extension by three months, notwithstanding his towering political statue in the country and contribution towards nation building and steering Jammu and Kashmir to peace, tranquility and development despite numerous challenges over the decades.
The statement, issued from Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here, also highlighted the huge contribution of former chief minister Mr Omar Abdullah in maintaining peace and harmony, recalling his earnest appeal for maintaining calm and tranquillity hours before his detention on the midnight of August 4 last year. This speaks of the concern of National Conference for well being of the people, the statement added.
The senior National Conference leaders felt the crucial need of restoring political activities in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that filling up of democratic space will remain a far cry as long mainstream leaders remain under detention. They stressed the need for reaching out to the people in a sincere bid of assauging their aspirations.
They also demanded lifting of curbs and restoration of internet services in the larger interest of trade, commerce, industry, accademics and more importantly the educated unemployed who have to keep track on the avenues of jobs and career advancement. They hoped that the Centre will take immediate call on the need for releasing all political activists under detention in and outside Jammu and Kashmir in order to normalise the situation.
