NC urges govt to free politicians after 3 months of detention in J&K

National Conference (NC) has urged government to free political prisoners who were being detained in Jammu and Kashmir since abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. Farooq Abdullah-led NC has also demanded government to permit political activities and rmalise situation in valley. 

In a statement, NC said that vember 5 marks three months since Centre withdrew special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories and "unprecedented lockdown on communication and civil liberties." party furr stated that its been over 90 days since people of Kashmir are denied basic facilities like internet access and unhindered access to communication. NC said even basic SMS facilities are t being allowed.

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"We urge government to take urgent steps to rmalise situation and allow democratic activity to take place with release of all mainstream political leers detained since August 5 including three former chief ministers," NC said in statement.

NC said while government has talked about restoring paralysed education system, schools have hardly functioned, colleges even less so and Kashmir University has t even opened after summer holidays. NC said commerce in Valley has been reduced to business conducted on handcarts. "Absence of Internet has hurt people who need proper healthcare, has hurt students and business community," it said.

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Political leers detained

Subsequent to revocation of Article 370, mainstream political leers, including three former chief ministers of state, were detained and communication was blacked out citing 'security concerns.' On October 14, postpaid calling services were started in valley and government h n anunced that political leers, detained in Kashmir, would be released in phases and that situation in Kashmir is grually restoring back to rmalcy. 

Former chief minister's of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have been detained among ors. Centre even slapped NC patron Farooq Abdullah with PSA. Meanwhile, Centre has claimed that situation in valley is being restored back to rmalcy.  communication blocke still prevails in valley, while landline connections have been restored in some parts of Kashmir. Schools and universities have reopened, however, re is a lack of attendance. According to reports, state ministration has been regularly reporting on medical facilities in valley.

(With PTI inputs) 

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