Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Farooq Abdullah after being released from 7-month detention on Friday
In his first remarks after walking free, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed hope that every other detained leader would be freed soon as well. "I can't believe I am free, hope everyone else will be released," says Farooq Abdullah after release from 7-month detention, in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.
The National Conference (NC) leader refrained from making any political comments for the time being, saying that he would prefer waiting till other are released.
Abdullah was placed under detention along with other political leaders including his son Omar Abdullah on August 5, when the government ended special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and imposed massive restrictions. He was earlier detained under the J&K Public Safety Act (PSA).
In an order, state Home Secretary Shaleen Kabra said the PSA invoked on Abdullah on September 17 and further extended on December 13, has been revoked. The order comes into force with immediate effect.
“In exercise of powers conferred under Section 19(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978, the government hereby revokes the detention order bearing No. DMS/PSA/120/2019 issued by District Magistrate, Srinagar,” a statement issued by the government said.
Meanwhile, National Conference leader Davinder Rana in Jammu said: "Imposing Public Safety Act (PSA) on Dr Farooq Abdullah was a wrong decision. I welcome the decision to revoke it. All other political detainees should also be released so that the voice of Jammu and Kashmir can reach everywhere."
