The decision to release @OmarAbdullah and not other Kashmiri leaders including @MehboobaMufti is bittersweet. As we prepare to tackle COVID-19...

DMK president M.K. Stalin reacted to the release of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, describing the development as bittersweet because numerous other prominent leaders, including Mehbooba Mufti, remained under prolonged detention. Stalin pointed out that keeping political representatives and democratic activists incarcerated without trial undermines constitutional democracy and human rights. He stressed that an unprecedented global pandemic demands national reconciliation and humanitarian compassion from the central government.

Stalin highlighted that prison facilities across the country represent overcrowded, high-risk environments for viral outbreaks. While judicial authorities and state governments have rightfully begun releasing undertrials and convict prisoners on emergency parole to decongest correctional facilities, continuing the detention of political prisoners under the Public Safety Act is completely unjustified. He made a heartfelt appeal to the Union government to release all political detainees in Kashmir and citizens imprisoned during peaceful anti-CAA protests.

Stalin reiterated that tackling the coronavirus crisis requires absolute national focus, democratic solidarity, and humane governance. Punitive detentions of political opponents distract administrative machinery and erode public trust in constitutional institutions. Stalin affirmed that the DMK will persistently defend civil liberties, democratic dissent, and human dignity across India.