Srinagar: Welcoming the revocation of the NSA against Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for the release of those arrested in the valley during the recent anti-US and anti-Israel protests.
“He should not have been arrested. His arrest was wrong and that too under the NSA,” Abdullah told reporters here on the sidelines of the Spring Festival at Badamwari here.
He emphasised that the situation in Ladakh should remain stable and insisted that, just as the promises made to Jammu and Kashmir need to be fulfilled, the same applies to Ladakh.
Abdullah noted that just like Wangchuk’s case, those facing minor charges or those who have spent longer in jail than their sentence would otherwise be should be released as well.
“Given the sanctity of this holy month of Ramzan, with Eid almost a week away, it would be appropriate to extend similar consideration to others, just as was done with Wangchuk,” he stated.
He urged the release of young people detained in recent protests, claiming that many of them are first-time offenders and did not actively engage in the demonstrations. “As an expression of goodwill, revoking cases against them and releasing some from jail would be a positive step,” he added.
When asked about the Centre’s review of security for his father and the National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah, after a recent assassination attempt, Omar questioned the effectiveness of such a review after the event.
“The attack occurred; it should not have happened. First, they need to explain why it took place. Only then can we discuss further actions. God saved him,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress also welcomed the revocation of Wangchuk’s detention by the Centre, claiming that the decision was taken amid mounting pressure from his case in the Supreme Court and growing public support in Ladakh.
The party, however, raised serious questions over the circumstances that led to his detention for more than six months “without clear justification”, while also pushing for the release of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik, who was detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) in September last year.
“Revocation of detention of Wangchuk under pressure of his case in SC and people of Ladakh, is welcome, but who is responsible for his detention for over six months in jail, without justification?”
“LG (Lt Governor of J&K) should consider revocation of PSA of MLA Mehraj Malik also now,” JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said in a post on X.
On February 23, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh reserved its order on a petition contesting the detention of Malik, who is the AAP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit president, and detained under the PSA on September 08 last year for allegedly disturbing public order.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the Centre’s decision to revoke the detention of Wangchuk, as well as the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah.
“The NSA should not have been invoked against Sonam Wangchuk in the first place. He has done so much for the environment. Also, he was a fan of the BJP, this should not have happened to him,” Mufti told reporters here.
“Thankfully, he has got his right. However, there are many more people who are lodged in jails under UAPA and do not have the wherewithal to fight legal battles. Many of them are languishing in jail for years without a trial,” she said.
Mufti said a meeting of party leaders held earlier in the day discussed the situation in Kashmir in light of recent protests supporting Iran. She claimed that many people had been in jail for nearly two weeks for participating in peaceful protests.
“Iran has a special place in the hearts of Kashmiris, as Islam came to Kashmir from Iran. It is natural that people of Kashmir feel the pain of the people of Iran who are fighting satanic forces. I request the LG to release the persons arrested during the recent pro-Iran protests in Kashmir,” she said.
She added that a resolution expressing solidarity with the people of Iran was passed at the meeting.
“The leaders lauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for supporting Iran through peaceful protest. We appeal to Muslim countries to come to the aid of Iran at this hour,” she said.
Mufti further urged the Centre to review its policy towards the region, “We have had excellent relations with Iran. Tehran has stood by us in our difficult times,” she said.
