This is an archive article published on December 15, 2019
J&K Ex-CM Farooq Abdullah’s detention is extended by three months
Abdullah is being held under the Public Safety Act, 1978, “with a view to prevent him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order”, the order extending his
Written by Naveed Iqbal
Srinagar | December 15, 2019 04:30 AM IST
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Abdullah is being held under the Public Safety Act, 1978, “with a view to prevent him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order”, the order extending his detention stated. (File)
THE J&K administration extended by three months the detention of National Conference leader and three-time chief minister Farooq Abdullah. This is the second extension for Abdullah, who was detained in his home on Gupkar Road, Srinagar — now declared a subsidiary jail — ahead of the August 5 revocation of Article 370 that accorded special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah is being held under the Public Safety Act, 1978, “with a view to prevent him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order”, the order extending his detention stated. After the initial 12-day custody at home, the state administration had extended his detention for a period of three months until December 15. The current extension allows for Abdullah to be held until March 15. The maximum period for which such detention can be extended is two years.
The 21-page dossier prepared by the state ahead of his detention notes that “the subject has tremendous potential for creating an environment of public disorder within the district and other parts of Kashmir Valley. The conduct of the subject is seen as fanning the emotions of general masses against the Union of India, instigating public with statements against the unity and integrity of India”. The document, which has recorded 27 charges against Abdullah, 16 police reports and 13 statements made by him in favour of Article 35A and 3 FIRs, some from as far back as 2016.
“On the 11th birth anniversary of his father at Naseembagh Hazratbal, in December 2016, triggered controversy by making explicit overtures towards separatist conglomerate namely Hurriyat Conference by stating that they should unite with his party for the cause of Kashmir.”
Naveed Iqbal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, and reports from Jammu and Kashmir. With a career spanning over 15 years in frontline journalism, Naveed provides authoritative reporting on the region’s transition, governance, and the socio-political implications of national policies.
Expertise
Regional Specialization: Based in the Srinagar and New Delhi bureaus, Naveed has spent over a decade documenting the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. Her reporting is distinguished by deep contextual knowledge of the region's post-Article 370, statehood debates, and local electoral politics.
Key Coverage Beats: Her extensive body of work covers:
Politics & Governance: Tracking the National Conference (NC), PDP, and BJP dynamics, including in-depth coverage of J&K’s first Assembly sessions and Rajya Sabha polls following the reorganization of the state.
Internal Security & Justice: Providing rigorous reporting on counter-insurgency operations, terror module investigations, and judicial developments involving political detainees and constitutional rights.
Education & Minority Affairs: Highlighting systemic issues such as quota rows in J&K, public service commission reforms, and the challenges faced by minority communities. ... Read More
3 min read
Abdullah is being held under the Public Safety Act, 1978, “with a view to prevent him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order”, the order extending his detention stated. (File)
