Peoples Conference (PC) chief Sajjad Gani Lone and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth president Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra were released after 184 days of detention in Srinagar on Wednesday.
Mr. Lone, arrested during the clampdown launched on August 5 as the Centre revoked J&K’s Special Status, was shifted to his official residence in Srinagar. “On reaching his official home, Mr. Lone continues to remain under house detention,” a PC spokesman said.
Mr. Parra, who is close to incarcerated PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, has also been shifted to his residence and “would remain under house arrest”.
The fresh release brings the number of detained politicians to 14 in the MLA Hostel, designated as a Sub-Jail. Over 40 regional leaders were placed inside the MLA Hostel in November.
Sources said another batch of senior leaders from the PDP and NC may also be released in the coming days.
No review
However, there has been no review of the cases of the three detained former chief ministers — NC’s Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, and the PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti — so far.
“Dr. Abdullah and Omar Abdullah have all along worked towards strengthening democracy and sustaining peace in J&K. The need is to restore political activities. The Centre should take steps for releasing Dr. Abdullah, Mr. Omar and Ms. Mufti. A massive reach to win over the hearts and minds of the people will only herald a new era of peace in J&K,” said Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana said.
Valley shutdown
Meanwhile, a spontaneous shutdown was observed in parts of the Kashmir valley on Wednesday, coinciding with the passing of resolutions by the United Nations on Kashmir in 1957.
All shops in the commercial hubs of Lal Chowk and the adjoining areas remained closed. Life in the Old City area was also affected.
