Police detain religious preacher in J&K

The police picked him up from his residence in South Kashmir's Shopian. They, however, did not give details for his detention but said an official statement will be released to the media.

Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir):Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday detained religious preacher Sarjan Barkati from his residence at Reban village in Shopian. The police, however, did not give details for his detention but said an official statement will be released to the media. Sources, however, said it could be because of his alleged anti-India speeches.

"He has been detained and taken to Zainapora police station," a police officer said without divulging more details.

Previously, Barkati was arrested on May 15, 2021, from his residence for speaking about the Palestinian situation during the Friday sermon at a local mosque. He was, however, released on June 5, 2021. Prior to this, he was arrested on October 1, 2016, and imprisoned for four years in connection with the protests that ensued following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.