The detention of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has been extended by three months. Her detention under J&K Public Safety Act, 1978, was otherwise scheduled to end on August 5, 2020.
The order, GO/Home/1449 of 2020, has been issued by UT Home Secretary Shaleen Kabra. it has been said this was being done to “prevent her from acting in any manner prejudicial to maintenance of public order”.
She will be lodged in Subsidiary Jail, Fairview, Gupkar Road, Srinagar. This was once her official residence.
Incidentally, there were some speculation in newspapers published from Srinagar that some “political prisoners” may be released in the coming days. However, it looks now that the UT government is going to consider their immediate release.
It bears mention here that PSA is a law which allows the J&K government to detain anyone for up to two years without framing formal charges. Extending Mehbooba’s detention under PSA may be meant to send a message to all political detainees.
By doing so, the government had apparently conveyed that it is not willing to condone any possible dissensions against the August 5, 2019, scrapping of Article 35 A and neutering of Article 370. This is also to scotch any possible protests in the coming days.