Removing PSA provision by SAC: Mainstream parties call move ‘anti-people’, ask Guv to reconsider decision

Srinagar, July 31: Day after Jammu Kashmir Governor Administration done away with a legal provision that prohibited Government from lodging state subject residents detained under Public Safety Act in jails outside the state, to make way for sending them to prisons far away from their families, leaders from several mainstream parties asked Governor to reconsider the decision taken on the behest of State Home Department.

While criticizing the decision, National Conference General Secretary, Ali Muhammad Sagar said that the move is completely anti-people and it is in no way in the interest of general public.

“No doubt, under Governor Rule, Governor enjoys all powers, but such decisions should be left up to elected government. Our government had in fact annulled harsh clauses and it is really very unfortunate to delete such a provision that was the only ray of hope for affected families to meet their incarcerated sons,” Sagar said.

Peoples Democratic Party Spokesperson Rafi Ahmed Mir said that it is a not a pro-people move and the decision taken in State Administrative Council is against the policy of his party.

“Whosoever is being detained under PSA should be lodged in State Jails so that their family members could meet them easily,” Mir said adding asked the Governor Administration to reconsider his decision.

CPI (M) senior leader Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami told CNS that the decision taken by Governor Administration is highly condemnable, unfortunate and unacceptable. “From day one, I have been advocating withdrawal of this draconian law and in fact I had moved an amendment bill seeking the annulment of harsh provisions of Public Safety Act. Such a law is not required in Jammu and Kashmir as it is anti-people and anti-humanity,” he said and added that cutting across party line, mainstream politicians and civil society members should raise their voice against the this decision.

Legislator and Chairman Peoples Democratic Front Hakim Muhammad Yain described the move as the direct attack on State autonomy. “How can State Administrative Council (SAC) delete the provision when there is no elected government in place? The SAC decision is a total violation and a move to add to the sufferings of people of Kashmir,” he told CNS.

Hakim Yasin appealed Governor NN Vohra to reconsider this decision.

Senior Congress leader Muhammad Sultan Mandoo said that the move is aimed at to harass families of Kashmir. “India and its BJP backed agencies in Kashmir are trying to send a message to youth that they can’t take on State. It will be extremely difficult for the families whose loved ones will be shifted to outside jails under Public Safety Act to pursue the cases and deal with the situation. It is a bizarre that State Home Department instead of giving respite to the people are adding to their woes,” Mandoo said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Kashmir Monitor staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)