Harsh Winter Conditions In Srinagar See 34 Political Prisoners Lodged At Centaur Hotel Shifted To MLA Hostel

As Srinagar reeled under harsh winter conditions, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday shifted all 34 political prisoners, lodged at Centaur Hotel since 5 August, to the MLA Hostel as the facility lacked proper heating arrangements. The winter chill took a toll on the health of the detainees — National Conference, PDP and People’s Conference leaders and prominent social activists — and the security personnel guarding them. They were lodged at the hotel on the bank of the scenic Dal Lake on 5 August when the central government announced its decision to abrogate Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution and split the state into two Union territories.

Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar city, was reeling under winter chill and witnessed the season’s first snowfall earlier this month. The seat of administration in the newly created Union territory has moved from Srinagar to Jammu for the winter months.