Srinagar, 24 April (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Members of Parliament Muhammad Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodi on Friday sought immediate release of Party General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar and others in view of the holy month of Ramadan.
A statement issued to KNS they said, amid the COVID-19 crises, governments across the globe are releasing detainees to prevent them from contracting the virus, the duo asked the J&K administration to understand the gravity of the current crisis and release Ali Mohammad Sagar and others immediately. “Besides, during incarceration Sagar sb already underwent a surgical intervention at a local hospital here. His family and scores of his admirers, workers and associates were hoping that the government would shift him to his house. Conversely and regrettably so, he was again shifted to a detention center. Such disposition of the government towards a people’s leader, former legislature, and minister is, to say the least, inappropriate. Government to our dismay has chosen not to give him respite in view of the ensuing month of Ramadan. Conversely the poignant appeals from the family, friends and scores of his associates have been turned down.”
Sagar Sahib has always shown deference for constitution, the former law maker has done great work in strengthening the roots of democracy in J&k particularly in Kashmir, the members of Parliament said while seeking his immediate release.
“A dedicated peoples leader, Sagar sb lent voice to voiceless and underprivileged all through his political career. Seeing him suffer is excruciating not just for his supporters, family, and friends but for all of us within the party. We are therefore hopeful that the government will release him. The goodwill gesture will bring much needed respite to his family, friends and supporters. Besides, scores of other political leaders from other parties including many of our party colleagues who are under illegal house detention should also be released fore with. In addition to that all those who have been jailed inside and outside J&k post August 5th last year should also be released without any delay for the greater good of democracy in J&K, and country’s larger interests," they said.
They also demanded release of incarcerated NC leader Hilal Lone who is detained under PSA.(KNS)