A public protest against the continuous detention of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman, Shabir Ahmad Shah, erupted in Kupwara district of north Kashmir soon after the Friday prayers.According to DFP spokesperson, party’s representative in Kupwara, Peer Inayatullah addressed the Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid Kupwara. He also led the protests against Shah’s continuous detention.Shabir Ahmad Shah continues to be lodged in police station Rajbagh since February 24 when he was arrested during a night raid. Among those who participated in protests include Feroz Ahmad, Naseer Ahmad, Gulzar Ahmad, Muhammad Saeed, Nazir Ahmad, Muhammad Ibrahim, and hundreds of people who were holding banners and chanting pro-freedom slogans while demanding the release of Shabir Ahmad Shah.Muhammad Amin while addressing the public gathering terming Shabir Ahmad Shah’s detention as "based on political vengeance". He said government has no justification for keeping Shabir Ahmad Shah under detention and by banning the political activities of pro-freedom leaders; it only complicates the already tense situation of the valley.
“Due to continuous illegal detention, Shah Sahib’s health has been deteriorated,” he said, adding, “There is lawlessness prevailing in the state with military and police ruling the roost. Shah Sahib’s detention is unlawful and the justice-loving people of the world must take notice of how rights of people and leaders are violated in this oppressed state.”Amin said since last 30 months, Shabir Ahmad Shah continues to be either under house arrest or in police detention and "authorities don't provide any legal justification for such unconstitutional detentions".Peer Inayatlullah also condemned the curbs on the peaceful political activities in the state and arrest of youth in nocturnal raids, saying, the career of our children is deliberately ruined by such oppressive acts.Meanwhile, the party spokesperson while condemning the arrest of Mirwaiz south Kashmir, Qazi Yasir demanded his immediate release. “The arrest of Qazi is interference in the religious activities,” he said. (KNS)