Another embarrassment for BJP: Mufti govt releases separatist Masarrat Alam from jail

Kashmir, March 7: Hardline separatist leader Masarrat Alam, who spearheaded the 2010 summer agitation in Kashmir has been released from jail, says report. Alam is chairman of Muslim League -- a constituent of hardline Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Police had said that it will comply with the directions of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who has sought release of all political prisoners who do not face any criminal charge.

In a meeting with the police chief on Wednesday, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed had asked the police to initiate a process of releasing all political prisoners in the State against whom no criminal charges have been registered. He had also directed the DGP to prepare a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of surrendered and released militants.

When asked about the move, Director General of Police (DGP), J&K, K Rajendra Kumar said, "Yes, all the directions issued by the government (on release of political prisoners from jails in the state) will be complied with. Let us be assured about it".

Masarrat Alam was arrested in October 2010 at the end of a bloody summer agitation in Kashmir, which left over 120 youth dead in security forces action, and was detained under Public Safety Act (PSA).

Last Sunday, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed took reins as Chief Minister of the State after BJP-PDP reached consensus on contentious issues like APSPA and Article 370. Since then PDP has been skirting controversies.

Only a day after taking guards, PDP leaders demanded the return of the mortal remains of Afzal Guru to the Valley. Afzal Guru, sentenced to death in the 2001 parliament attack case, was hanged on February 9, 2013 when Congress-led UPA was in the power.

The demand came close on the heels of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's earlier remark where he gave credit for peaceful voting in the state to Pakistan and separatists. Sayeed's Peoples Democratic Party has an alliance government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.

OneIndia News