Amidst country-wide coronavirus lockdown, Omar Abdullah’s detention revoked, released after 8 months

Former J and K CM Omar Abdullah, image va Times of India

Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah has finally been released from detention, 8 months after Article 370 was revoked in Jammu and Kashmir.

https://twitter.com/Nidhi/status/1242317818877505536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Abdullah’s father Farooq Abdullah was released earlier this month. Omar Abdullah had turned 50 on March 10. He has spent over 232 days in custody. He was initially held under preventive custody, but later PSA charges were slapped on him.

The central government had placed many political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir under preventive detention and later under PSA charges when it decided to abrogate Article 370 in the former state.

The Supreme Court has been hearing a plea filed by Abdullah’s sister Sarah Abdullah, seeking his release. Last week, the SC had given the centre a week’s time to respond on whether they planned to release him.

It is notable here that with 492 cases of coronavirus, the nation is under lockdown at present. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, section 144 has been placed and only the movement of essential personnel is allowed.

OpIndia Staff: Staff reporter at OpIndia