J&K: PM denounces separatist leader's release, says party committed to nation's integrity

New Delhi, Mar 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today denounced the release of hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam by the Jammu and Kashmir government of which BJP is a partner, saying he shared the "outrage" over the unacceptable decision and would take whatever action is required.

Modi spoke in Lok Sabha as members from various political parties created an uproar over the development, terming it as "anti-national" and dangerous to the country's integrity, and dared BJP to pull out of the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led government. Asserting that the release of the separatist leader was not acceptable, he said his government won't tolerate any compromise with the nation's integrity.

He said the Centre has sought clarifications from the state government and will act after the response is received. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre had already sought clarifications from the state but was not satisfied with part of the reply. Further clarification has been sought, he said.

"I want to assure the House that we will not refrain from issuing strongest advisory to the state government if required," Singh said. As opposition protested, Modi made an intervention, saying he shares the "outrage" of the country as well as the House over the development. "Parliament, in one voice, has condemned this type of action.

I assure the country and the House that whatever is happening there (in J and K), the Union government was neither consulted not informed... Government does not accept such action. "In one voice, we express our anger against those supporting separatists and misusing the law. In the coming days, we will take whatever action is required and we are committed to the nation's integrity," Modi said.

PTI