India releases Kashmir leader Farooq Abdullah after 7 months

SRINAGAR: India authorities have released veteran political leader Farooq Abdullah after seven months as he was detained following the revocation of Indian occupied Kashmir.

An Indian official confirmed that the government was revoking Abdullah’s detention “with immediate effect”, while no reasons were provided.

Soon after his release, Farooq Abdullah addressed supporters and thanked those who fought for his freedom.

Talking to journalists, he said that he will now be able to go to Delhi and attend Parliament and speak for all Kashmiris.

He further said, “This freedom is not complete; the freedom will be complete when all the leaders will be released.”

“I hope that the Indian government takes action soon to release everyone if they want that the people of the state should have freedom to live as free people,” he added.

Farooq Abdullah is among the top mainstream leaders who were detained on August 5 when the Himalayan region was put under a strict military and communication lockdown hours before the Article 370, which granted the disputed region a measure of autonomy, was removed.