Published 16:51 IST, November 17th 2019
Ghulam Nabi Azad claims 'Farooq Abdullah detained without charge'; terms it "illegal"
Ghulam Nabi Azad, speaking to the media asserted that former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has been 'illegally detained' in Kashmir.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, speaking to the media asserted that former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah has been 'illegally detained' in his Srinagar residence. The Congress leader put forth a strong appeal for Farooq Abdullah's participation in the winter session of the Parliament. Contending the Srinagar MP's detention, Azad said that the NC patron, Farooq Abdullah has never raised slogans, initiated a procession or even said anything against the government.
"Farooq Abdullah was not allowed to come the last time, now the winter session is upcoming. There is no case on him, he is put on detention without any charges. He has not raised any slogans, did not say anything or initiate a procession against the government, so how can he be locked for 3 and a half months? It's been three and a half months, and he won't be allowed to come to the Parliament. Farooq Sahab has been illegally detained, even the others. Farooq Abdullah Sahab should be permitted to attend the Parliament session."
The detention of Srinagar MP Farooq Abdullah became a crucial talking point at the all-party meeting, called by the government on Sunday. The Opposition firmly raised the confinement of Lok Sabha MP and NC patron, Farooq Abdullah, in his Srinagar residence. NC further demanded his participation in the approaching winter session of the Parliament, in the presence of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Chairing the meeting, PM Modi had claimed that at the all-party meet, the government was willing to discuss all issues, " within the framework of rules and procedures of the Houses." In a similar response to Farooq Abdullah's detention, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "Within the framework of law we will work it out."
Congress Questions Amit Shah Aug 6 Claim
On September 17, when the NC chief was slapped with the Public Safety Act (PSA), the Congress questioned Amit Shah's claims and accused the Home Minister of 'severely breaching his privilege.' Amit Shah on August 6 had claimed on the floor of the House that Farooq Abdullah was neither arrested nor was put under house arrest, but missed the Parliament session at his own will. A charge, that Farooq Abdullah sternly denied.
Congress said, "When asked in the Parliament, HM made a statement that former CM of J&K was not detained or arrested. Now we are told he is arrested under PSA? Did HM lie on the floor of the house? Isn't it a severe breach of Privilege?"
Updated 17:13 IST, November 17th 2019