Srinagar, July 14 (KNS): The house restrictions on the movement of political leaders and activists in Kashmir is arbitrary and unlawful. Even those who have been released from detention centers in the recent months, are being denied permission to meet visitors and are being prevented from any movement outside their houses. This is highly unfortunate.

According to statement issued to KNS reads, The leaders of National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, CPI(M), Peoples Conference, J&K People's Movement and other parties have been subjected to unlawful restrictions since 5th August, 2019.Under which law these restrictions are being imposed? The house detentions without any administrative orders amount to undermining human rights and individual liberty.

There are also reports that some persons are being kept under detention in some police stations without FIRs or any formal charges for several days which is nothing but coercive use of authority. There should be rule of law but instead the laws are being flouted by the administration.

Repressive and arbitrary measures are part of the BJP government’s wider politics of silencing dissent. Freedom of thought, belief and expression are fundamental rights in any democracy. To put restrictions on the movement of political leaders is to betray the constitution and democracy. (KNS)