An official working in the police headquarters in Srinagar told mediamen that 23 persons including Respected Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani, High Court Bar Association President, Mian Abdul Qayoom and General Secretary, Ghulam Nabi Shaheen have been booked under PSA. “The figure comprises people detained under PSA in various jails and district headquarters,” he said.
Though police officials in Srinagar didn’t reveal the exact number of people detained under the PSA, sources told newsmen that apart from Hurriyet leaders, three young boys hailing from Safakadal and one each from Gojwara and Nowhatta localities of Srinagar had been detained under the Act.
A police official said that 18 arrest warrants under the PSA had been issued in Pulwama district. “A youth has been detained and booked under PSA while 17 others against whom arrest warrants have been issued have fled from their houses. We have launched a manhunt to track them,” he added.
In Islamabad district, three persons have been arrested and booked under the black law. Many people, mostly youth have also been arrested under the PSA in Baramulla and Sopore towns.
Pertinently Kashmir Valley has been on boil after the killing of 17 year- ld Tufail Matoo in police action in Srinagar on June 11. Since then 16 more persons including a 25-year-old woman have died in the firing of police and CRPF personnel on peaceful protesters across the Valley.
