PSA against research scholar quashed in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 5 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has quashed the Public Safety Act (PSA) against a research scholar and another person and ordered their immediate release.

The orders were passed by Justice Mansoor Ahmed here.

Security forces had arrested Nazir Ahmed Ganai, a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Studies from the Kashmir University and a resident of Safapora, on October 16, 2003, allegedly for his links with the militants.

He was subsequently booked under the PSA.

Ganai's parents challenged his detention before the District Magistrate who ordered his release on April 8 last year quashing the PSA against him.

However, the police again booked Ganai under the PSA on June 21 for two more years, prompting his parents to move the High Court.

Ganai's council also pleaded that his client was kept under illegal detention for 72 days.

The Judge also ordered the release of Shahnawaz Ahmed Malik, a resident of Kokernag in south Kashmir, quashing the PSA invoked against him.

UNI AG PK RS1745