Sagar defends arrests

Srinagar: Minister for law and parliamentary affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar Thursday defended the arrest spree launched by his government in Kashmir valley while as he accused opposition PDP of deliberately targeting Chief minister Omar Abdullah and his party, National Conference. Responding to a question by reporters after assembly proceedings, Ali Mohammad Sagar said that the arrests were a normal issue. “This is nothing new and Chief would be clarifying the position of government when he addresses the assembly,” he said. He said that till February 15 this year, 4030 persons were arrested across the valley and 195 were booked under Public Safety Act. “Out of these arrested, 3900 persons have been released.” “The PDP is short of issues and rather than raising such questions, they should help to resolve the Kashmir issue.”   She said that conducive atmosphere was being created and efforts by government of India, home Minister, Interlocutors are to resolve the issue. Sagar said that the PDP was deliberating targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his party. “I won’t say that there are no negatives in the government but by targeting chief minister and his party, you can yourself draw as to what they want,” Sagar said as per a reporter.