Protesting Farooq sister, daughter detained

Srinagar, October 15

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s sister and daughter were among several high-profile women detained today as they attempted to hold a demonstration in central city against abrogation of Article 370 and detention of political leaders.

Abdullah’s sister Suraiya Mattoo and his daughter Safiya Abdullah Khan, who is also the sister of ex-CM Omar Abdullah, were among those detained.

Suraiya carried a placard that read “Release all detainees”, while Safiya held a placard reading “Why downgrade Jammu & Kashmir state” as they were detained by police and paramilitary personnel.

The NC in a statement said the detentions reflected “sad state of affairs”. Wearing black arm bands and holding placards, the women protesters were not allowed by the security personnel to assemble and asked to disperse peacefully. However, the protesters refused to disperse and tried to stage a sit-in. A contingent of women CRPF personnel along with the personnel of the state police detained the protesters. The protest was held even as Section 144, prohibiting unauthorised gathering of four or more persons, remained imposed in Srinagar.

Others detained included Hawa Bashir, wife of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice Bashir Ahmad Khan, and academician Muslim Jan. Nearly a dozen women were detained. Earlier, the police tried to stop the protesting women from distributing a statement to the media. — TNS