NC: Slapping Omar with PSA attack on democratic polity

JAMMU: Expressing deep anguish and concern over slapping of Public Safety Act (PSA) on erstwhile J&K state former chief minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference on Friday described it as PSA on the entire mainstream political ideology of J&K.
The J&K Union territory administration had on Thursday slapped PSA on Omar Abdullah and ex-CM Mehbooba Mufti of People's Democratic Party (PDP). The stringent Act had already been invoked against Omar's father Farooq Abdullah - a five-time ex-CM and former Union minister - nearly six months ago.
In a joint statement issued from Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here after a meeting, senior NC leaders said the stringent Act against the senior party leadership was shocking, especially in view of their huge contribution to ensuring peace and harmony in J&K.
They recalled the fervent appeal made by Omar minutes before his detention on August 4 last year, urging people to maintain peace and calm at all costs. "How could leaders with such vision and statesmanship be threat to peace? Especially those who have remained at the forefront to promote harmony and brotherhood," NC leaders asked while terming the latest move as imposition of PSA on the entire mainstream political ideology of J&K.
Referring to the slapping of PSA on Farooq, initially for three months which was later extended by another three months, the NC statement said his continued detention was sad and unfortunate, especially in view of his immense contribution towards nation-building and sustaining peace, harmony, democracy and progress in J&K during the most testing times.
This is to undermine his (Farooq's) huge contribution to nation-building by belittling his internationally acclaimed political stature. NC leaders recalled that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had once described Farooq as a towering patriot. They also said Vajpayee had immense affection for Omar.
"The harsh move made last (Thursday) evening is the biggest setback to democratic polity...," the NC statement said. It urged the Centre to review the decision of PSA on mainstream leaders and release all those detained unconditionally.