Kishtwar, Nov 10: Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Shavan has invoked the Public Safety Act (PSA) against five individuals in Kishtwar, citing their history of anti-national activities.
Those detained include Mohd Abdullah Gujjar from Sigdi Bhata, Noor Din from Kakerwagan, Ghulam Nabi Choppan from Trungi (Dachhan), Mohd Jaffer Sheikh from Nattas (Dool), and Mohd Ramzan from Dangduroo (Dachhan).
Authorities allege these individuals posed a threat to public order and the security of the Union Territory, with ongoing involvement in illegal activities despite prior warnings. The police executed the PSA warrants promptly upon receipt.
Additionally, the District Magistrate has reportedly ordered close monitoring of 22 others suspected of obstructing key national projects, as per officials.
The officials further alleged that these individuals are believed to be engaging in activities that could undermine developmental efforts through misinformation and anti-national sentiment, allegedly as part of a wider conspiracy to delay significant projects.
Meanwhile, Anzer Ayoub, a journalist from Kishtwar condemned the detentions and said that those booked under the draconian Public Safety Act were merely trade leaders.
“Jailing 5 union leaders in #Kishtwar under PSA and labeling them as “criminals” for raising voice against hydro projects that harm locals is a gross abuse of power. Silencing voices for local rights isn’t justice,” he wrote on his Twitter.
