Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNS): Political activities across Jammu and Kashmir have come to a halt after abrogation of erstwhile state’s special status under Article 370 resulting in further alienation and anger among people.

According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), soon after New Delhi scrapped Articles 370 and 35A and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, political activities across Jammu & Kashmir has come to a standstill due to the restrictions imposed by authorities over political parties and their activities to “maintain law and order.”

More than 700 political leaders and activists reportedly have been arrested since August 5. Those detained include, three former chief ministers - Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. Dr Farooq has been booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) and is lodged at his Gupkar residence which has been declared as sub-jail by authorities.

Devender Singh Rana, National Conference (NC) Provincial President for Jammu and close confidant of Omar Abdullah while talking to KNS said, “In a democratic set-up it is imperative for the government to release detained leaders without any delay.”

“The NC President and Vice-President are currently under detention. Moreover 60% members of the Working Committee of the NC have been taken into custody. If authorities let them free in coming days, we will draft future course of action”, Rana told KNS.

Another senior political leader and former minister, who wished anonymity said India’s claims of being a democratic country sounds strange when it puts curbs on the movement of political leaders.

“Youth of J&K has realized that Governor Rule is not substitute of an elected government and it could not compensate peoples’ demands. So obviously there is possibility of alienation and anger among youth,” he added.

The leader warned that though New Delhi had imposed curbs over the movement of political leaders in J&K to maintain law and order, it will have serious ramifications in future. (KNS)