The Jammu and Kashmir authorities have detained 23 more individuals under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), following police recommendations accusing them of involvement in activities detrimental to national security. All the detainees—residents of Srinagar district—have been lodged in jails outside the Kashmir Valley, including in Poonch, Udhampur, and Kot Balwal (Jammu), after the district magistrate formally issued PSA detention orders based on police dossiers. The police have described the accused as “terrorist associates” linked to proscribed outfits, as well as “miscreants” involved in disturbing public order. Under the PSA, an individual can be detained without trial for a period ranging from three months to two years. Originally enacted in 1978 by the Sheikh Abdullah-led National Conference government to curb timber smuggling, the law has often been invoked by successive governments against political opponents. Amnesty International has termed the PSA a “lawless law” due to its sweeping powers, while a 2018 UN report on Kashmir called for its revocation. According to official sources, the latest detentions followed the approval of the Srinagar District Magistrate, based on detailed police dossiers. A statement issued by the police said: “Consequently, they have been detained and lodged in district jails in Poonch, Udhampur and Jammu. Multiple criminal cases have already been registered against them. Despite bail, they continued engaging in activities disturbing public order and national security.” The statement further added that the Srinagar Police has been systematically targeting and dismantling anti-national and anti-social infrastructure through an ongoing crackdown, and reiterated its commitment to restoring public order. “The long arm of law will catch them sooner than anticipated, and every offender will face justice,” the police warned. Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, J&K Police have detained hundreds of individuals—including former militants, members of separatist organisations, alleged Over Ground Workers (OGWs), and other suspected troublemakers. Many have been booked under the PSA and other stringent laws. Security forces have also demolished homes of at least ten wanted militants, including a suspect in the Pahalgam attack. However, the sweeping crackdown has drawn criticism from political parties and civil society groups, who warn that “collective punishment” risks further alienating the Kashmiri population. J&K detains 23 more Srinagar residents under PSA for alleged anti-national activities; police warn strict action.The police, meanwhile, maintain that these actions are a necessary and decisive step in dismantling terror networks and combating anti-national elements in the Union Territory.
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