Political leaders of J&K will be released in due course as part of a phased withdrawal of restrictions in the Valley based purely on assessment of the ground situation by the local administration, a government functionary said on Thursday, reports Times of India. 

“As the situation improves in the Valley, restrictions are being eased day by day. Starting with easing of curbs on free movement, the local administration has allowed shops and establishments to open, resumed schools and working of government offices, restored landlines to a large extent and now even started mobile services in Kupwara and Handwara districts. As and when the situation improves further, the local administration will decide on ending the detention of political leaders as well,” the functionary said.

He added that there were no “negotiations” between the central leadership and detained political leaders in J&K, though officers of the local administration or state agencies may be talking to them.

“What is the harm in talking to these leaders? They are our own people,” the functionary said when asked if there was any engagement with the detained politicians to enlist their cooperation in maintaining peace in the Valley after they are released. 

According to indications from Srinagar, the administration targets to release the leaders in phases, possibly within the next two weeks, depending on the ground situation.

BDST: 1051 HRS, AUG 30, 2019
RS