Ahead of Aug 5, J&K Admin Extends Mehbooba Mufti’s Detention by 3 Months

New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday extended the detention of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti by three months under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The move comes ahead of the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union territories on August 5. The current detention order of the former CM was set to expire on August 5 this year.

Confirming the decision, the PDP leader’s daughter, Iltija, who is handling her mother’s Twitter account, said: “ Id like to confirm media reports that Ms Mufti’s PSA has been extended until November,2020. The petition challenging her unlawful detention has been pending in SC since 26th February. Where does one seek justice?”

Id like to confirm media reports that Ms Mufti’s PSA has been extended until November,2020. The petition challenging her unlawful detention has been pending in SC since 26th February. Where does one seek justice?

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 31, 2020

Mehbooba Mufti was among hundreds of people who were taken into preventive custody hours ahead of the Centre revoking special status of the J&K last year. However, some leaders have been released, including National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, both former chief ministers.

Among the first to condemn the extension of her detention was DMK leader M K Stalin.

“I unequivocally condemn the continued detention of @mehboobamufti and other Kashmiri leaders. It is almost one year since they were taken into custody and voices of democracy were stifled. DMK stands against the misuse of PSA to silence political opponents,” he tweeted.

I unequivocally condemn the continued detention of @MehboobaMufti and other Kashmiri leaders.

It is almost one year since they were taken into custody and voices of democracy were stifled.

DMK stands against the misuse of PSA to silence political opponents. https://t.co/tTzFicR0zx

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 31, 2020

According to an order issued by the Home Department, Mufti will continue to remain under detention for another three months at her official residence at Fairview Bungalow, which has been declared a subsidiary jail. 

"The law enforcing agencies have recommended further extension in the period of detention and on examination, the same is considered to be necessary," the order reads. 

The PSA, a preventive detention law, is considered similar to the National Security Act that is used by governments for preventive detention. It is considered draconian as it allows for detention of a person without a formal charge and without trial.

(With inputs from PTI)