Crackdown on separatists continue as Yasin Malik, Jamaat leaders, detained
What's the story
In a late night raid in Jammu and Kashmir, police detained separatist leader Yasin Malik from his Srinagar residence on Friday. Malik, the chief of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, wasn't the only one to be arrested. Nearly two dozen people linked with Jamaat-e-Islami were arrested from different parts of Kashmir on the intervening night of February 22 and 23. Here's more.
Arrests
Earlier, perks of separatist leaders were snatched away
The arrests come at a time when the government is cracking down on separatists after the Pulwama attack of February 14. Earlier this week, 18 separatist leaders were stripped off their security. The government cited "lack of funds" behind this decision. Notably, Malik is also a part of Joint Resistance Leadership in the state which also has Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as members.
Hearing
Arrests come ahead of important Supreme Court hearing
Malik and other leaders were detained before the Supreme Court's crucial hearing of Article 35A. This provision in the Constitution bars citizens of other states from purchasing land in J&K. The top court is expected to hear the case on Monday. On February 11, the state government requested the court to adjourn the hearing. Police could arrest more people.
Statement
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami criticized the arrests
The Jamaat-e-Islami called the move a "well-designed conspiracy to pave way for further uncertainty in the region". The organization confirmed the arrests in a statement and revealed dozens of central and district level leaders were arrested in a "mass arrest drive". Jamaat-e-Islami's chief Dr. Abdul Hamid Fayaz, spokesperson Zahid Ali, former general secretary Ghulam Qadir Lone were among the ones arrested.
Reaction
Earlier on Friday, Malik condemned attacks on Kashmiris
Hours before his arrest, Malik condemned the attacks on Kashmiris across the country. He had said, "Those who picked up arms later were youth who were subjected to harassment and torture. They didn't go to Pakistan for arms training and still picked up guns to resist." Malik added Kashmiris are being pushed against the wall and soon they won't have any option but pick arms.
Quote
Will government take responsibility if harassed ones pick arms: Malik
"If anyone among those who were harassed or beaten in outside states picks up gun tomorrow, who would be blamed for it. Will Government of India tomorrow accept that these boys joined militancy because of the oppression unleashed on them in various states," Malik asked.
Twitter Post
Former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemns arrests
In the past 24 hours, Hurriyat leaders workers of Jamaat organisation have been arrested. Fail to understand such an arbitrary move which will only precipitate matters in JK. Under what legal grounds are their arrests justified? You can imprison a person but not his ideas.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 23, 2019