Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Aug 25: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to lead an all-party delegation to various jails across the country where prisoners from Jammu & Kashmir were lodged and to raise the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti said that many prisoners, including senior leaders from various political and religious groups have been languishing in jails for years without conviction and suffer from severe health issues.
“Shabir Shah and the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami are suffering from serious illnesses and even their families had to struggle for their treatment. What about the poor ones, some of whom have been behind bars for over 10 years without conviction,” she said.
She accused authorities of denying parole, remission and bail to such prisoners, alleging a discriminatory approach. “Hardened criminals were granted parole several times, but our prisoners are denied even basic relief,” she said.
Mufti stressed that the issue transcends politics. “I want to tell Omar that we are in opposition and cannot do anything. But you can. This is not politics, this is about humanity. Tell the Home Minister to bring those prisoners languishing outside J&K back to local jails so their trials become easier and quicker for their families,” she said.
Earlier, Police foiled the PDP’s protest march from the party headquarters near Sher-e-Kashmir Park, stopping the protesters from moving ahead.
Reacting to her remarks, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said such decisions were taken in New Delhi, not in Srinagar. “The decisions of Jammu and Kashmir’s security are taken in Delhi, in the Home Ministry. It would be better if they go to Delhi, meet the Home Minister and present this matter as we did. If they just want to hold a demonstration here, no one will object,” he said.
