Jammu Court Grants Bail to Scholar After Nearly Three Years

A Jammu court has granted bail to Kashmiri scholar Abdul Aala Fazili, who had been detained for nearly three years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for an article published in 2011. The court found no evidence linking his writing to terrorism and criticized the government's delayed reaction to the article, which it noted posed no threat. Fazili's bail conditions include a financial bond, weekly police reporting, and restrictions on travel and communication. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Bureau revealed that since 2019, one IAS officer and 89 KAS officers have been implicated in various corruption investigations. Additionally, Kashmir authorities have barred congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid for the sixth consecutive year during Shab-e-Baraat, leading to protests against the restrictions. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the region, where civil liberties continue to be challenged.