Observer Report
Srinagar
Two months after political leaders were detained in India occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the state administration granted permission to a delegation from the National Conference party to meet their top two leaders on Sunday, according to a party official.
The meeting with party President Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah took place in Srinagar, the state’s capital. Both were detained after the Indian government scrapped occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5.
According to Hindustan Times, the delegation flew in early Sunday morning for the meeting. It was led by provincial head Devender Singh Rana and included former party legislators.
National Conference spokesperson Madan Mantoo had told Press Trust of India a day earlier that the Indian government granted permission after provincial head Devender Singh Rana made a request to Satya Pal Malik, occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s governor.
“If the political process has to start then mainstream leaders have to be released,” said Rana after meeting the leaders, adding, “they are both well and in high spirits, of course they are pained by the developments in the state, particularly about the lockdown.” Farooq Abdullah is under house detention at his residence in Srinagar, while his son Omar is held at a state guest house.
