With their detention entering into its eight month on Thursday, the jailed mainstream politicians including three former J&K Chief Ministers spend their time in confinement either in prayers or reading, sources have revealed.
Some are maintaining their exercise regimen to maintain their physique, while some politicians pass off their time watching television to ascertain current affairs.
Three senior politicians – Ali Muhammad Sagar of National Conference, Naeem Akhtar and SartajMadni of Peoples Democratic Party – detained under Public Safety Act at M-5 on Gupkar Road pass their time reading and watching television. “It is Sagar sahib among the trio who is reading Islamic literature. They pray five times a day. Sometimes they pray together. They also have a regular chat,” said an official source.
They live in three separate rooms at the accommodation which has some eight rooms. “Due to paucity of space at M-5, they walk around in the rooms. Sometimes, they move outside in the garden,” he said.
“All the three detained politicians at M-5 are diabetic and are taken extra care of. We have kept doctor available to them as per jail manual. Besides, a team of doctors from SKIMS visits them for regular check-up,” the official added.
Meters away from M-5, Omar Abdullah is detained at HariNiwas, the palace of erstwhile Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh. The former J&K Chief Minister is also into reading. “He does a rigorous workout and follows a strict diet,” he said.
“Omar begins his day with exercise. He jogs in the lawn of HariNiwas. Besides, he reads a lot. These days he is reading contemporary fiction,” he said.
“Omar’s food comes from his home. It is brought regularly by his butler and is thoroughly checked before being allowed in. He is particular about his diet.”
He said junior Abdullah routinely takes a nap for two to three hours after taking his lunch. “He misses his pet dogs,” the official said.
Nearby, Omar’s father and Parliamentarian Dr Farooq Abdullah detained at his residence on the Gupkar under PSA is also into praying. “Dr Sahib has turned into an ardent namazi. Besides, he reads Quran and also encourages his security personnel around to offer Namaz,” said an official.
Another lot of three politicians including bureaucrat-turned politician Shah Faesal, NC’s Hilal Rather and PDP’s PeerzadaMansoor detained under PSA at MLA Hostel are also into praying.
An official said, “ Faesal reads a lot. Each week, a new lot of books is brought to him by his relatives. He also takes a stroll regularly.”
“The detained politicians are provided meat dishes thrice a week, while two vegetable dishes and pulse dish is routinely provided to them,” the official added.
On the MA Road, the last Chief Minister of erstwhile J&K State, Mehbooba Mufti, has been detained at House No. 6 near Transport Yard. “She prays and watches television. Besides, she has long chats withher family whenever they come to meet her. She turns emotional whenever her mother comes for a meeting,” said an official.
