J&K: NC leader Devender Rana seeks release of Farooq, Omar Abdullah

National Conference (NC) leader Devender Rana has called for the release of Party President Farooq Abdullah and Vice-President Omar Abdullah on Saturday, October 5. According to reports, he is seeking relief to kick-start and normalise the political process in Jammu and Kashmir, ahead of the Block Development Council (BDC) elections. Rana, the party's provisional President called the detention of the leaders "unfortunate".

While speaking to the media on Saturday, Rana stated that "We, as a party, appeal that for the political process to start and democracy to revive in Jammu and Kashmir, the political dentures, who have no criminal record, must be released."  The father-son duo and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti were put under house arrest after the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370. 

About BDC elections

According to reports, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Block Development Council (BDC) elections will be held on October 24. The counting of the votes will be held on the same day. The elections will be held in 310 blocks out of the 316 blocks in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking about the BDC elections, Rana stated that once Farooq and Omar Abdullah are released, the working committee will decide if the party will fight the elections.

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J&K leaders put under house arrest

The Central government on August 5, decided to abrogate Article 370, revoking the special status for the State of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. With immediate effect, NC Party leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, along with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti were put under house arrest following a Public Safety Act (PSA). 

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(WITH ANI INPUTS)