Held under PSA, two youth released from Central Jail

SRINAGAR — Authorities have released two Kashmiri youth detained under Public Safety Act (PSA). Both these youth have reached home safely, police sources said.

The released youth were identified as Abid Ahmed Sheikh son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Sheikh, a resident of Astangoo Bandipora and Ishfaq Ahmed Dar, son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Dar of SK Payeen.

Sources said that both these youth were arrested shortly after the abrogation of special status in Jammu and Kashmir last year in August. They were lodged at Central Jail Srinagar.

A top police official confirmed the release of these two youth, saying they were handed over to their respective families. The official added that more releases are expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, some families from south Kashmir have appealed Government of India to release their loved ones who are languishing in Agra Jail of Uttar Pradesh under contentious Public Safety Act.

They said Shabir Ahmed Rather son of Abdul Razak Rather of Dooru Anantnag and Muhammad Ashraf Mir son of Habibullah Mir of Dalwach Qazigund are languishing in Agra Jail since August last year and they are worried over their health after the breakout of coronavirus disease.

The family members said that these incarcerated youth are innocent and were picked up for no fault of theirs.

“My husband was the lone source of income. He was arrested when Government resorted to arrest spree after the annulment of Article 370. I appeal authorities to release him,” Nasreena, the wife of Shabir Ahmed said.

Pertinently, there are over 200 Kashmiri prisoners languishing in Agra, Bareilly, Varanasi, Ambedkar and other jails of Uttar Pradesh.