PDP breaks silence on NIA raids, bats for release of photo-journo

JAMMU: For the first time ever since the first raid of National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Valley in the summer of 2017, the ruling People's Democratic Party on Friday broke its silence, batting for release of photojournalist Kamran Yousuf bringing him under the ambit of amnesty being provided to Kashmiri youth.
Party's Youth Wing President, Waheed Ur Rehman Para has appealed Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for consideration of Kamran under amnesty policy announced for youth endorsed by Government of India.
"I have a great hope and faith in CM's leadership and commitment towards the betterment of Kashmir in general and her concern towards the youth of Kashmir in particular," says Para.
Kamran was detained by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on September 4 last year and was handed over to the NIA the next day. He worked as an independent photojournalist with Kashmir leading daily, Greater Kashmir and Chandigarh based Gulistan News.
In the recently filed chargesheet of central probe agency in the terror funding case, Kamran's name has been included too.
"I am not very well aware of the intricacies of the cases against him, but Kamran is a promising young boy and the only hope of his divorced mother. He is just 20 years old and assumingly he may have made a mistake I am certain it can be forgiven as a youthful error," Para added.
Para while hoping for Kamran's amnesty added, "I am also hopeful as CM announced to open her arms for the youth of Kashmir and grant amnesty to young boys arrested in such cases. His case can be also considered in the same scheme," he further added.
While appealing on humanitarian grounds and seeking CM's intervention in getting him out, Para said, "It will be one of the most important confidence-building measures towards the youth of Kashmir and will help in larger integration of Valley's youth towards the mainstream."
Pertinently, Youth President, PDP hope that it will be a good gesture and a CBM for the inclusion of Kamran and Javid Bhat under Amnesty.
"I, on behalf of Kamran and his mother, who live alone, and on behalf of other citizens request you to extend this gesture of love and acceptance towards Kamran and grant him and other boys general amnesty. This will indeed be a very positive gesture and a confidence-building measure that most Kashmiris will acknowledge, appreciate and remember," said Para.