Release youngsters detained in valley as act of goodwill: Omar
Welcoming the revocation of the NSA against Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for the release of those arrested in the valley during the recent anti-US and anti-Israel protests.
“He should not have been arrested. His arrest was wrong and that too under the NSA,” Abdullah told reporters here on the sidelines of Spring Festival at Badamwari.
He emphasised that the situation in Ladakh should remain stable and insisted that, just as the promises made to Jammu and Kashmir need to be fulfilled, the same applies to Ladakh. Abdullah noted that just like Wangchuk’s case, those facing minor charges or those who have spent longer in jail than their sentence would otherwise be should be released as well.
“Given the sanctity of this holy month of Ramadan, with Eid almost a week away, it would be appropriate to extend similar consideration to others, just as was done with Wangchuk,” he stated.
He urged the release of young people detained in recent protests, claiming that many of them are first-time offenders and did not actively engage in the demonstrations. “As an expression of goodwill, revoking cases against them and releasing some from jail would be a positive step,” he added.
When asked about the Centre’s review of security for his father and the National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah, after a recent assassination attempt, Omar questioned the effectiveness of such a review after the event.
“The attack occurred; it should not have happened. First, they need to explain why it took place. Only then can we discuss further actions. God saved him,” the Chief Minister said.
While discussing the Spring Festival and the upcoming opening of the Tulip garden, the chief minister expressed hope that this marks the beginning of the summer tourist season in the valley, encouraging visitors to experience Kashmir’s beauty.
However, he acknowledged that rising airfare due to tensions in the Middle East could impact tourism numbers.
“We hope tourism will increase, but airfare is rising not only for international flights but also domestically. Indigo has started adding a fuel surcharge. We need to see how much impact this will have on the season. Nonetheless, we remain optimistic that the encouraging start will lead to increased visitor numbers, which is what we desire,” he said.
