J&K police refuse to free social activist Sofi

Sajad Ahmad Sofi, a social activist from Safapora was imprisoned again by Jammu and Kashmir Police for allegedly passing comments during a public hearing of developmental grievances.

Srinagar: Sajad Ahmad Sofi, a social activist from Safapora was imprisoned again by Jammu and Kashmir Police for allegedly passing comments during a public hearing of developmental grievances. Even though Sofi was granted bail, police have arrested him again under Sections 107 and 105 because there "was reasonable apprehension that he will create a law and order situation," according to sources.

Sofi said he does not have expectation from non-local officers during a public darbar presided by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's advisor Baseer Khan on June 10. "I pin hope on you as you are a Kashmir and can understand our problems. I can grab your collar and seek accountability from you. But what expectations can I have from officers who are outsiders? " Sofi asked.

The public darbar was attended by Deputy Commissioner in Ganderbal, Kritika Jyotsna, Uttar Pradesh Cadre IAS officer posted in JK this year on a two-year deputation. Her husband Rahul Pandey, also on deputation, is Director of Information and Public Relations department.

The comments drew the ire of the Deputy Commissioner after which Sofi was booked by the police under Section 153 and imprisoned. Section 153A of the IPC deals with "promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc’ and ‘doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony."

The activist hired a lawyer and applied for bail which was granted by the local court on June 12. However, police opposed it and Sofi was not released.