Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat

Mushtaq Bhat is a Muslim preacher who was arrested under the Public Safety Act.

Background

Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat alias Mushtaq Veeri is an influential Muslim preacher in Kashmir and former president of the Jamiat Ahle-Hadith. The cleric has thousands of followers across Jammu and Kashmir, and he preaches at the central mosque in Anantnag, Kashmir, on various social issues.

He was arrested on September 15 after receiving a call from the police station in Anantnag, Kashmir. He was booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) and then moved to Kot Bhalwal jail in Jammu. PSA allows the government to detain anyone for up to two years without any trial.

Veeri was previously detained under the PSA after J&K’s special constitutional status was revoked in August 2019. He was released on October 30, 2020.

His latest arrest was condemned and sparked outrage across the region. Political leaders called it a communal mindset of the Hindu nationalist government to punish Muslim leaders of Kashmir.

Veeri’s family denied the allegations, saying he never instigated violence or provoked Kashmiri people to propagate radical ideology in the valley.

Charges and Allegations

Public Safety Act.

Current Status

Not released yet.

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