Published 20:15 IST, August 20th 2020
Farooq Abdullah holds first NC briefing since Article 370 abrogation, says ‘no freedom’
Addressing the first party press conference one year since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A, NC patron Farooq Abdullah said that condition was miserable
Advertisement
Addressing first party press conference one year since abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A, National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah, on Thursday, said that he had called for a party meeting to ascertain if NC leaders could move freely inspite of being locked up in ir homes. Abdullah said that condition of people in Valley was miserable as business and tourism had slumped. previous NC meeting called by Abdullah on August 5 was cancelled amid state-wide restrictions.
Advertisement
Farooq Abdullah: ' freedom since 12 months'
" For past 12 months, our people are t getting freedom. We are trying to bring happiness, trying to find a way to bring freedom for our people. We are also suffering from this Coronavirus pandemic," he said.
Centre withdraws 10000 CAPF troops
On Wednesday, ordered "immediate" withdrawal of about 10,000 paramilitary personnel from Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. This is biggest de-induction of se forces after additional troops were rushed to UT post abrogation of Article 370. Home Ministry had last withdrawn 10 CAPF companies from UT in May, while 72 such units were taken out in December last year.
Advertisement
As high-speed mobile internet services were allowed to resume on a trial basis in Ganderbal (Kashmir) and Udhampur (Jammu) on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about return of electoral process in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister added that delimitation process is underway in valley, and once it is done, J&K will have elections. Recently, Valley completed one year since abrogation of Article 370 - which passed uneventfully as strict restrictions were put in place by J&K administration.
Politicians under house arrest
Inspite of Centre's assertion that Congress leader Saifuddin Soz was never under detention, ex-Union Minister released a video showing that he was unable to move out of his residence and claimed policemen were forcefully whisking him away from media. Congress has demanded that Soz be released immediately, but Supreme Court has dismissed Soz's wife's plea challenging his 'illegal detention'. Similarly, several or leaders - including Sajid Lone have been released from detention, but are reportedly t free to move out of ir residence without police. While former CMs Farooq & Omar Abdullah have been freed, former CM Mehbooba Mufti has been slapped with stringent PSA at least till October.
Advertisement
20:15 IST, August 20th 2020