Srinagar, October 16: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah's sister Suraiya Mattoo and daughter Safiya Abdullah Khan were among the half-a-dozen women-activists released by the Jammu & Kashmir police on Wednesday. Their release from custody came a day after the security forces detained them for organising a women's march against Article 370 repeal in the state capital.

Safiya and Suraiya were thwarted by the security forces as they began their agitation against the Centre in Srinagar on Tuesday. A total of 13 women were taken into custody by the police, while the rest were dispersed from the site. Their detentions evoked a sharp response from the National Conference.

The party issued a statement asking whether the Indian government has revoked the right to assembly peacefully and demonstrate. Their arrest highlights the "authoritarian manner" in which the Governor's administration is acting, the NC statement said, adding that an attempt is being to further the "fear psychosis" among the Valley residents.

"Being kin of former chief ministers should not entail political victimisation, leading to curtailment of liberty and freedom of movement and speech," senior NC leaders said in a joint statement, issued from party headquarters Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan in Srinagar.

Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah and former chief minister Omar Abdullah continue to remain under house arrest. They were barred from stepping out of their houses since August, shortly after the abrogation of Article 370.

A delegation of NC leaders from Jammu was recently allowed to meet the Abdullahs and discuss whether the party should participate in the block development council elections scheduled on October 24. The two leaders outrightly rejected any possibility of the National Conference participating in the local polls.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2019 06:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).