Police has enough evidence against arrested clerics for instigating people: ADGP Kumar
SNS KASHMIR
BARAMULLA ,SEPTEMBER ,18:
In a fresh spate of arrests while four prominent religious clerics were arrested and booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) in South Kashmir; three prominent religious figures have also been arrested in Baramulla town of north Kashmir.
Those arrested included President Awqaf Islamia Baramulla Nazir Ahmad Khan, Imam and Khateeb Bait-ul-Muqram Mufti Ajiaz and Imam Dargh Aliya Tariq Ahmad Nampa.
Family members of the religious scholars confirmed to Kashmir Images said that they were called by police for questioned and later “ We came to know they have been booked under PSA for unknown reasons.”
Pertinently.Moulana Abdul Rasheed Dawoodi of the Tehreek-e-Sout ul Awliya, Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri and Abdul Majeed Dar Al Madni, both from the Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees organization were booked under PSA besides another popular religious preacher Sarjan Barkati has been arrested in Shopian district.
Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a cricket tournament at Baramulla said that the religious clerics who have been booked under public safety act (PSA) were earlier called by police and they were warned not “instigate young boys but they didn’t stop that is the reason they were booked under the PSA.”
“We had warned these people many times, but they ignored them. There are reports that some of the clerics are doing the same practice but soon after getting the proper evidence, they too will be booked,” he said.
He added that they have other legal options to curb them, while some are being sensitised and let go, however, Public Safety Act (PSA) is the last option when someone continues to indulge in wrong practice.
He also said that the police have a lot of evidence against them. We can also share with the media if required,”he said, adding that without the PSA they leave a lot of people with counselling and “but someone doesn’t stop then the PSA becomes mandatory.”
“We are receiving reports that some leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami are secretly doing activities in Kashmir,” the ADGP said, adding that the police are monitoring it and action will be taken against anyone who is found involved,” he said.
He requested people to maintain law and order in the valley and said maintaining social order is duty of every single person
“Maintaining law and order situation is not the duty of Police only but people too can play an important role in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere,” Kumar said.
Notably, over the last few days several religious clerics were arrested and few of them were booked under PSA.