BJP condemns criticism of decision to shift PSA detainees to outside jails

Jammu, Aug 02: Prior to the amendment of Public Safety Act in 2011 by Omar Abdullah led NC-Congress coalition government hard core terrorists and top most separatist leaders were housed in prisons outside the state in places like Jodhpur in Rajasthan and other places in UP, Punjab and Bihar. The ordinance issued by Omar Abdullah government in 2011 to prohibit shifting Kashmiri prisoners outside the state was politically motivated and meant to please the pro-Pak separatists accused Brig Anil Gupta, State Spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party. “Omar Abdullah’s decision had no justification because housing the hard core terrorists in jails within the state only promoted terrorism and separatist forces. The misuse of this provision became very evident since the terrorists were enjoying 5-star facilities inside Central Jail Kashmir and other jails of the state under political patronage. They were not only radicalising the other prisoners but also planning and directing terrorist operations from within the jail. The seizures made from Srinagar and Baramulla Central Jails and the escape from police custody of dreaded terrorist Nadeem Jatt thoroughly exposed the reality of the happenings inside the jails,” stated Brig Gupta.

“Even there was a comparative calm in separatist activities when the likes of Geelani, Yasin Malik were lodged in jails outside the state. The present day spurt in separatist activities can be directly attributed to that amendment because under the garb of “house arrest”, these separatist leaders continued to stay inside their luxurious houses and continue with their political activities including issue of monthly hartal calendars. Obviously, the decision of Omar was not in national interest but part of the appeasement politics for which both the Congress and NC are notorious.” blamed Brig Gupta.

Bharatiya Janata Party welcomes and appreciates the decision taken by the State Administration Council (SAC) headed by Shri NN Vohra, Honourable Governor and head of the government to cancel motivated amendment made by Omar Abdullah and approved deletion of Section 10 of the PSA. This would restore status quo ante and enable lodging of the detainees under PSA in any jail in the country.

“BJP also strongly condemns the statements of separatist leaders and JKNC General Secretary, Ali MohdSagar and PDP criticising the decision of the SAC. It is highly ridiculous that the decision is being linked with state’s special status. Even legally a detainee has no right to decide his place of detention and the discretion lies with the lodger,” stated Brig Gupta. JKNC, PDP and other valley based politicians are trying to emotionally exploit the people by linking this issue with Article 370 and 35A.