Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday shifted 33 Kashmiri mainstream politicians including Sajad Gani Lone, Shah Faesal, lodged at Centaur Hotel since August 5, to the MLA Hostel as the facility lacked proper heating arrangements, officials said.
They were lodged at the hotel on the bank of the scenic Dal Lake when the central government announced its decision to abrogate Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution and split the state into two Union territories.
The winter chill took a toll on the health of the detenues -- National Conference, PDP and People's Conference leaders and prominent social activists -- and the security personnel guarding them.
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On Saturday, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was shifted to Banquet Hall at M.A Road from Chesmashahi.
According to the PDP, Sajad Lone, Faesal, PDP youth leaders Waheed Para, former MLA Ajaz Ahmad Mir were manhandled while being shifted to the MLA hostel in Srinagar.
Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, who tweets from her mother’s account, alleged that police manhandled and roughed up Sajad Lone, Waheed Para and Shah Faesal.
She said they are the same people, who have been lauded for strengthening democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
She alleged that Sajad Lone was repeatedly frisked and asked to undress. “New jail windows are blocked with wood, lack heaters and has surveillance jammers,” she said.
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Meanwhile, the government spokesman Rohit Kansal didn’t pick up phone despite repeated calls. SSP Srinagar Haseeb Mughal was also not available for comment.
Thousands of people were taken into custody in Kashmir Valley on and after August 5, when Article 370 was scrapped and J&K bifurcated into two union territories. Among the arrested, were three former Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti.
Omar Abdullah is lodged at Hari Niwas on Gupkar Road, while PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was lodged at the Cheshmashi government guest house before being shifted.
Farooq Abdullah, who has been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) has been lodged at his residence at Gopkhar, which has been turned into sub-jail.
(With PTI Inputs)
