Farooq Abdullah released after seven months in detention since abrogation of Article 370 in J&K

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah walked out of his Gupkar residence on Friday, seven months after he was put under detention following the abrogation of Article 370, “I am free, I am free,” he said while talking to the media outside his home.

The 82-year-old was detained in August, 2019, after the central government stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and bifurcated the state into two union territories.

“I am grateful to the people of the state and country who spoke for my freedom. I would like to thank everyone and every individual who prayed for my freedom,” said Abdullah.

“This freedom will be complete only when all the other detained leaders - including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah - in various buildings are released,” he added. “I hope Government of India will take action soon to release everyone.”

The National Conference (NC) president also stated that he will not make any political remark till the time all the leaders are let out.

Farooq Abdullah was released after the Jammu and Kashmir adminsitration on Friday nullified the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) against him with immediate effect.

The former Chief Minister was placed under precautionary detention since 5th August, 2019, the day the central government abrogated Article 370. The PSA was slapped against him on 15th September, before the top court was to hear a plea by MDMK leader Vaiko who claimed that Abdullah’s detention was illegal.

The decision to release Farooq Abdullah came hours ahead of the ending of the three month period on Friday.

Promptly after his release, the National Conference issued a statement welcoming the decision and also urged the Union Territory adminsitration to release other leaders including party vice president Omar Abdullah.

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