Praying for early release of Mufti, Abdullahs from detention: Rajnath
TNN Bureau. Updated: 2/23/2020 10:19:32 AM
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JAMMU: Hoping that the three former chief ministers will contribute towards normalizing situation in Kashmir after their detention ends, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that he was praying for the early release of Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti from their detention.
Defending their detention, the Defence Minister said that certain steps had been taken in the interests of Kashmir and maintained that decision on their release would be finalised with normalcy returning fast in Valley.
Dozens of politicians, including three former chief ministers were placed under preventive detention soon after the Modi government reorganized and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories on August 5 last year.
Though most of the politicians have been released since then, the three chief ministers and a dozen politicians remain detained. While Farooq Abdullah was booked under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) in September, Omar and Mehbooba were also recently detained under the same law, along with six others.
The government cited their provocative statements and threats issued before the nullification of Article 370 of the Indian constitution which granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir state.
Talking to a newswire in New Delhi, Rajnath said that no one in Kashmir has been tortured.
"Kashmir has been peaceful. The situation is improving rapidly. Along with the improvement, these decisions (release of politicians from detention) will also be finalized. The government has not tortured anyone," said the Defence Minister.
Singh said he will pray for the early release of the Abdullahs and Mufti from their detention.
"I also pray that once they are out, they work and contribute towards improvement of the situation in Kashmir," the Union Minister said.
Defending the government's decision, the Defence Minister said that certain steps had been taken in the interests of Kashmir.
"Everybody should welcome it," he said.
Rajnath Singh drew accolades in Kashmir while he was the Home Minister in the previous government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his uprightness and kindness.