Will continue fighting for Mehbooba’s release, says Iltija

Srinagar, Sep 29: Alleging that it’s not a surprise that her mother’s habeas corpus is being dragged endlessly in the Supreme Court (SC), Iltija Mufti, daughter of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, said that she will continue to fight for her release.

“Not surprised that Ms Mufti’s habeas is being dragged on endlessly. A serious matter like illegal abrogation of Article 370 has been pending for over a year so one can’t help but feel despondent,” Miss Mufti, who is handling the official twitter handle of her mother, tweeted.

“Nevertheless, I’ll continue fighting for her release,” she added.

Meanwhile, she said parties associated with the Gupkar Declaration should deliberate on the next step moving forward. “Perhaps one can see how people of Leh united and mobilised themselves instead of depending on courts,” Miss Iltija said.

“The result is obvious. A Leh delegation was immediately invited by the Home Minister who promised to fulfil their demands. Make no mistake, the fight for our special status & dignity has to be a political one,” she tweeted.

The SC, while hearing the habeas corpus, today gave two weeks' time to Jammu and Kashmir administration to give its stand on how long Mehbooba Mufti can be kept in custody and whether her custody can be extended beyond one year. “What is the proposal of Jammu and Kashmir administration on her detention,” the Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said.

Iltija Mufti had approached the Supreme Court seeking her mother's release. She also sought permission from the court for filing a habeas corpus, to produce Mehbooba Mufti in court.