Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, In Detention Since August 2019, Released

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti was released from detention on Tuesday night.

Mufti has been under detention since August 5, 2019, the day when the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was repealed. Her detention under the J&K Public Safety Act was being extended from time to time.

Though other prominent political leaders of J&K such as Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, leaders of the National Conference, were also detained then, they were released later. Farooq Abdullah was released on March 13, 2020 and his son was released ten days later.

A habeas corpus petition seeking the release of Mufti is pending in the Supreme Court.

"How long can Mehbooba Mufti be kept in custody?", the Court had asked the J&K administration last month.

Following her release on Tuesday night, Mufti's daughter Iltija conveyed thanks through her mother's handle to everyone who had supported her during this period.