Religious preachers were warned not to instigate youth, but they continued: ADGP Kumar clarified

Srinagar, Sept 18: Days after several religious clerics were booked under Public Safety Act (PSA), Additional Deputy General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar has clarified that despite multiple warnings, the accused preachers, clerics, were continuously instigating youth and police have proper evidence to prove the claims.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a sports event in Baramulla, the ADGP said police had evidence and these preachers were warned not to instigate youth, children, and people.
“They did not stop their work and were booked under the PSA. If needed we can also share the evidence with the media,” he said.
Replying to a query, whether there is a possibility of similar arrests, the ADGP said they (Police) have other legal options to curb the same.
“Some of the preachers are summoned and then released accordingly. PSA is the last option when someone continues to indulge in wrong activities,” he said.
ADGP Kumar said although Jamaat-e-Islami is a banned organization, some people are continuing their activities and the police have concrete evidence of their movement or activities.
“Maintaining law and order situation is not the duty of Police only but people too can play an important role in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the region,” he said.
The top cop further said that so far this year law and order was maintained very well, tourists came, the internet was not shut down, and the markets, schools, and colleges were not shut.
“It is the society that benefits from these things. We have to maintain this atmosphere in the future also,” he said.
In the ongoing crackdown against religious leaders and preachers, police have detained many prominent religious leaders including Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri, Abdul Rashid Dawoodi, Sarjan Barkati and many other activists of banned Jamaat-e-Islami have been booked under PSA by the authorities.