A 15-member National Conference delegation met detained party leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah yesterday and this meeting was the first of its kind after the special status was revoked from Kashmir 2 months ago. On the other hand, the PDP allowed its leaders from Jammu to meet party chief Mehbooba Mufti today.
The Jammu & Kashmir administration permitted the NC delegation to meet the Abdullah family for the first time since their detention. They demanded freedom for their leaders and other political detainees so that they can revive the political process in the State which is at a halt right now. There demand came on the back of Block Development Council (BDC) elections that are scheduled to be held on October 24.
“We are happy they are both well and in high spirits. Of course, they are pained and anguished about the developments, particularly the lockdown of the people,” NC’s Jammu chief Davinder Singh Rana, who was the head of this delegation.
Mr. Rana told the press that for any political activity to be carried in the valley, participation of these leaders is paramount.
“There is anguish about developments, particularly about the lockdown of the people, and we, as a party, appeal that the political process be allowed to start for democracy to revive in Jammu & Kashmir.”
“Political detenues anywhere and everywhere, whether from mainstream political parties or otherwise, who have no criminal record, may be released to initiate the political process and win the hearts and minds of the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
