Amnesty International (AI) issued an urgent appeal to the Indian government, calling for an unconditional release of Syed Zahoorul Haq unless tangible criminal charges against him are produced. Amnesty demanded that he be provided with prompt and regular access to his family and a lawyer of his choice. They warned that he should not be subjected to torture. AI encouraged others in India to send telegrams, fax or express letters calling for immediate release of Syed Zahoorul Haq, who has been in incommunicado detention since his arrest by members of border security force (BSF) on January 1997. His family fears that he may be subjected to torture or killed in custody.

Syed Zahoorul Haq was arrested in front of his family from his home in Srinager. He was then taken to the BSF camp at Karan Nagar in Srinager, where he is apparently held. Three days after his arrest, his brother­in­law, Dr Naim Muzzafar Geelani was allowed to see him but not permitted to speak to him.

To Amnesty International 's knowledge, Syed Zahoorul Haq has not been brought before a magistrate within 24 hours as law requires. Also, he has been denied access to his family and to a lawyer.