Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 10: Expres-sing serious concern over prolonged detention of mainstream leaders for over seven months, National Conference today welcomed the joint statement of the opposition seeking release of détainees in Kashmir including three former Chief Ministers, saying curbs on civil liberties don’t augur well for the largest democracy of the world.
“The appeal made by the opposition to the Centre for release of detainees and restoration of political activities in Jammu and Kashmir is reflection of deeply ingrained democratic spirit of the country that has been acknowledged globally”, said senior NC leaders, in a joint statement issued from Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here today.
NC leaders said that absence of political activities have created a vacuum across Jammu and Kashmir with people suffering from a sense of denial, especially due to complete disconnect with the Government. “This sense of denial and alienation has potential of people losing faith in democratic polity. Earnest steps should be taken for restoration of democracy and allowing political activities in a free atmosphere. More delay can prove to be counterproductive,” the statement said.
The statement appreciated the opposition leaders for their solidarity with the Kashmir mainstream and raising of issue regarding release of senior parliamentarian of the country in both the houses of Parliament repeatedly. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are overwhelmed by the concern and gesture of the country’s leadership and feel a sense of belonging. The detention of political leaders and workers for over seven months is unprecedented, unfortunate and highly undemocratic,” said the statement hoping that the Centre will listen to reason and announce unconditional release of all the leaders.
Besides Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, the signatories to the joint statement included Ajay Sadhotra, Surjeet Singh Salathia, Rattan Lal Gupta, Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Javed Ahmed Rana , Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Babu Rampaul, Abdul Gani Malik, Dr Chaman Lal Bhagat, Qazi Jalal Ud Din, Brij Mohan Sharma, Ajaz Jan, Tarlochan Singh Wazir, Jugal Mahajan, Gurdeep Singh Sasan , Mohinder Singh, Rahim Daad, Haji Mohd Hussain, Master Noor Hussain, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Mohd Iqbal Bhat, Bimla Luthra, Deepender Kour, Swarn Lata, Satwant Kour Dogra, Vijay Lakshmi Dutta, Anil Dhar, Bhushan Lal Bhat, Wali Dad, Dr Gagan Bhagat, Sajjad Shaheen, Vijay Lochan, Abdul Gani Teli, Ch Haroon, Chander Mohan Sharma, Som Nath Khajuria and others.
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