J&K: Separatist Leader, Masarat Alam Released From Prison

07 March, Srinagar

A senior Jammu and Kashmir separatist leader, Masarat Alam, has been released from prison following the new Mufti Mahammad Sayeed led PDP-BJP government’s policy of freeing political prisoners who do not face criminal charges.

He was arrested in October 2010 for his alleged role in fueling the anti-national protests during that year’s summer agitation that left more than 120 persons dead.

The order for the release of 42-year-old Alam, chief of the Jammu Kashmir Muslim League, has been issued by the Home Department.

The process for Alam’s release followed Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed’s instructions. At a detailed review meeting with Director General of Police on Wednesday, he directed release of political prisoners against whom there were no criminal charges.

Earlier today, Director General of Police K Rajendra said that the state government’s instructions in the matter will be complied with.

Reacting to the alleged unilateral decision of release of Masarat Alam, the BJP MLA from Nowshera, Ravinder Raina told reporters in Jammu today that BJP will not tolerate such a behaviour where a sepratist leader against whom PSA charges were levelled, is being released. He said that BJP will take to the streets to expose such leaders who are pandering to the separatist voices and ant-national sentiments.

Meanwhile the activists of BJP Yuva Morcha held protest demonstrations in Jammu against the government on this issue.