Srinagar: The Governor-led administration has begun the process of gradually releasing mainstream politicians, who were detained hours before Government of India announced abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.
A senior government official privy to the development said that the government has eased the process of releasing the detained politicians ahead of the Block Development elections.
The second tier of panchayat polls in which sarpanchs and panchs form electoral college are scheduled in the state on October 24. While congress has boycotted the polls, all other political parties including NC, PDP and PC are not in fray as dozens of their leaders are detained. Amid this, the BJP has emerged as a frontrunner in the Valley raising questions about legitimacy of the elections.
Kashmir Reader learnt that those set to be released are IAS topper turned politician Shah Faesal, former MLA from Ganderbal of NC, Ishfaq Jabbar and Peoples Conference politician Yasir Reshi.
“Apart from senior leaders, some key functionaries of political parties, activists, and business association leaders will be released from the detention in coming days,” the official said.
The move is aimed at giving a sense of ‘normalcy’ in the Valley where shops and public transport are shut for last 69 days.
According to officials, the release of three Kashmir based politicians comprising former PDP legislators Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Yawar Mir and Shoaib Lone of Congress is part of the process. Their release ensued after they agreed to not disrupt peace. This apparently meant they would not have to ‘provoke’ people through their speeches or activities.
On the other hand, Peoples Conference leaders Imran Raza Ansari, Abid Ansari and National Conference leader Syed Akhoon were freed on health grounds. Similarly, PDP leader Khursheed Alam was released after demise of his close relative.
Dozens of mainstream politicians, activists, separatists, lawyers and trade union leaders were detained in massive crackdown launched on the night of August 4 and August 5. Among the top politicians include three former chief ministers, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti.
Farooq was slapped with Public Safety Act (PSA) and detained at his Srinagar residence. His son Omar and PDP chief Mehbooba have been lodged separately in state guest houses.
But Farooq has not approached J&K High Court to quash his PSA. A senior NC politician said that they were told by their president during a meeting at his home not to seek his release till all party leaders and workers are not set free.

Mir Iqbal