Amid Covid-19 scare, the Jammu and Kashmir administration today released former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who was booked under Public Safety Act (PSA). Omar Abdullah has been freed after nearly eight month’s detention. The release has been appreciated by one and all and hopes are being expressed that following his release, the authorities would release other detained leaders lodged in detention centre within J&K, jails outside J&K or under house arrest including Mehbooba Mufti and Sajad Lone. Omar Abdullah too, minutes after his release, appealed the government to release all prisoners affiliated with different political parties and also those who are not affiliated with any political process but are languishing in jails since August 05, 2019. As the deadly Corona virus has already brought the world down on its knees, need is to release these prisoners so that they remain with their loved ones and are not at the risk of falling prey to the virus. It is an emergency situation and therefore waking up to it, the authorities should look at the matter as a humanitarian issue and release all the prisoners forthwith.
Second thing that the authorities need to do immediately is restoration of 4G mobile services. Due to the lockdown all over, the student community is suffering a lot. In absence of 4G services, that can keep track of the assignments and lessons which their respective educational institutions, within J&K or outside are keeping uploading on their respective websites. By not allowing 4G speed, the authorities are depriving the student community of their opportunity of e-learning. Besides, the people are being told to use internet to know more about Coronavirus world over; WHO and other relevant bodies are constantly updating their guidelines and other relevant information. However, people in Kashmir are deprived of these facilities as given the low speed internet, they can’t access all the relevant information. In this backdrop, the authorities need to take quick decision and besides releasing the prisoners, restore the 4G services on priority basis.
