Release Of Four More J&K Leaders Fuels Talks Of New Political Front Formation

The Jammu and Kashmir administration released another batch of four politicians from house arrest on Friday, hinting at a possible resurgence of political activity in the Valley. The phased release of politicians, who had been under detention since August 5 last year, has also fuelled speculation that a new political platform could emerge in Kashmir soon. The new political front, according to people aware of the matter, could be an amalgam of political leaders and activists from existing political parties, along with new faces who started political activities since August 5, when the Centre withdrew the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories.

One of the names being discussed for the new platform is J&K People’s Front but nothing has been finalised yet, said one of the persons, who did not wish to be identified. Top leaders of local political parties such as National Conference, People’s Democratic Party and People’s Conference, including former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, continue to remain under detention at three separate locations. About 24 other politicians, including Sajad Lone, Name Akhtar and Shah Faesal, are under detention at the MLA hostel in Srinagar.

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