SRINAGAR (Kashmir English): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has raised deep concern over the deteriorating health condition of prisoners held within and outside Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), urging the Indian government to release Shabrooza Bano, the ailing wife of jailed religious leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, popularly known as Sarjan Barkati.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a post on X, Mehbooba described Bano’s continued detention as “heartbreaking,” stating that she is reportedly unwell and in urgent need of medical attention.
She stressed that the incarceration of both parents has left their children without proper care.
“The Government of India must take a compassionate view by releasing Shabrooza immediately so that she could get proper treatment and be with her children,” she said.
Shabrooza Bano was arrested by New Delhi-controlled State Investigation Agency (SIA) on 24 November 2023 in connection with a false case.
Her husband, Maulana Sarjan Barkati, popularly known as “Azadi Chacha”, faces more than 30 FIRs for organising anti-India protests and rallies.
A resident of Reban area of Shopian, Barkati rose to prominence during the 2016 mass uprising triggered by the extrajudicial killing of popular youth leader, Burhan Wani.
His unique style of sloganeering made him a symbolic figure during the anti-India protests.
Separately, Mehbooba Mufti also called on New Delhi to take immediate steps to ensure smooth transport of fruit produce, describing the industry as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.
She proposed that a dedicated corridor be opened on the Srinagar-Jammu highway from 8pm to 2am exclusively for fruit-laden vehicles.
IIOJK’s fragile economy
“This is our backbone. Don’t let it break,” she said, emphasizing that prolonged road disruptions are causing huge losses to orchardists and affecting the tourism and hotel businesses across the valley.
Mufti urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent further economic damage to Kashmir’s fragile economy.
