Mehbooba Protests in Srinagar, Demands Return of Kashmiri Prisoners

Swift Summary

• Former J&K Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti called on CM Omar Abdullah to form an all-party commitee to visit Kashmiri prisoners held outside Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
• She urged the CM to meet the Union Home Minister for their return to J&K, enabling faster trials and family access.
• The PDP staged a protest in Srinagar over the issue but claimed police tried to block it.
• Mufti criticized police action, linking it metaphorically with failures such as stopping attacks like Pahalgam’s.
• The PDP demanded speedy trials, fair request of justice norms, and medical bail for sick inmates. They highlighted cases of incarcerated leaders Shabir Shah and Abdul Hameed Fayaz, stressing humane treatment for political prisoners.
• Mufti accused systemic bias against Kashmiri prisoners in matters of parole compared to other convicts like Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
• Allegations included extended imprisonment without trial lasting up to 10 years for some Kashmiri detainees from poor families.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The call by Mehbooba Mufti underscores pressing concerns about prisoner rights in India-particularly those detained outside their home regions like kashmiris held across states-and broader systemic issues related to justice delivery delays that may threaten constitutional principles of fairness and liberty. Her appeal reflects challenges faced by marginalized groups who may lack access due both geographically (absence from local courts) and socioeconomically.

The comparison with parole practices highlights potential disparities but also stirs debates on whether political sensitivity shapes decisions around legal remission or bail concessions disproportionately depending on identity or affiliations.

While her demand advocates transparency in judicial processes-aligned with global principles-the counterpoint by CM Omar Abdullah perhaps rightly notes Delhi-centric policy leverage limits regional autonomy influencing near-term changes unless higher institutions respond institutionally toward reforms flagged.Read more here