Sajad Lone questions mass arrests based on ‘old OGW list’, Calls for review

SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) president and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Thursday criticised the mass arrests following the recent terror attack in Anantnag district, questioning the detention of people based on their inclusion in the Over Ground Worker (OGW) list.

In a statement, Lone said authorities cannot arrest thousands of people merely because their names appear on an old list, adding that the document includes individuals who are now in their seventies.

“You cannot summon and arrest thousands of people because their name is included in the OGW list,” Lone said, adding that the age of the list itself should prompt a review of its contents.

Lone said that conflict situations require efforts towards reintegration, arguing that people who have moved away from violence are often encouraged to return to mainstream society.

“There is a concept of reintegration in conflict situations. People who have taken to arms are eventually encouraged and facilitated to reintegrate with society,” he said.

Opposing mass arrests, Lone said such action could amount to collective punishment.

“I don’t agree with the concept of mass arrests. It looks more like community punishment,” he said.

The Peoples Conference chief also questioned the credibility of the OGW list, alleging that some names were included due to political reasons in the past.

“This list is not divine. There are many names in there which are there because of political affiliations inserted at the behest of rulers in the past,” he said, calling for a fresh review of the list.

Lone said those named in the list continue to live among communities and remain answerable to local scrutiny.

“We live amongst people here and are subject to questions,” he said, questioning the legal basis of such action.

“Which law of our country justifies this community punishment? It is patently illegal,” Lone added. — (KIMS)