Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have reportedly rejected an offer by the administration to end their detention.
The two leaders have been in detention since August 5 when the Centre abrogated the Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution.
As per sources, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik told Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah about the possibility of shifting them to their respective residences.
The Jammu and Kashmir Governor, however, told the two leaders that they will be released only if they don’t mobilise their supporters in the Valley against abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state.
Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti categorically rejected the offer following which their detention was extended in government guest houses nearthe Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.
DETAINED SINCE AUGUST 5
Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah were detained on August 5 after the Centre moved to abrogate provisions of Article 370 in the Rajya Sabha.
The two leaders were initially kept together at Hari Niwas Palace in Srinagar. They were, however, later separated following an argument and placedunder detention at two separate guest houses. Former chief minister FarooqAbdullah, meanwhile, has been kept under detention at his home.
Sources also told India Today that Omar Abdullah is regularly enquiring about the situation in the Valley from police personnel.
A satellite TV with all available news channels has also been provided to the two J&K leaders at their detention centres.
Earlier, a senior government official had made it clear that any decision on the release of the people under detention in Jammu and Kashmir will be taken by the local administration depending on the ground situation.
