Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has defended his government's decision to release political prisoners.

"There is no need to be defensive on this count," Sayeed said, while releasing a report on the recently concluded assembly election in the state.

He said the Common Minimum Programme, which has the support of alliance partners, deals with the non-use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and reorientation of Special Operations Group.

"For restoring peace in the state, the alienation of the people has to be addressed and their hearts won, as militancy is always sustained with the people's support. Removing the alienation of the people will be a major step in achieving the objective of heralding peace in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

The chief minister said the recent election has helped in creating a good atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. "This has also posed a big challenge by increasing people's expectations that call for good governance and quick dispensation of justice."

"The fairest elections saw the end of National Conference dominance and emergence of a viable alternative in the state where the people, including me, were quite apprehensive about the credibility of the polls," he said.

Observing that "fair elections were not a matter of concession but a democratic right of the people" the chief minister said, "The commitment made by the prime minister was implemented in letter and spirit. The credit for the successful, transparent and fair elections goes mainly to the Election Commission of India, which has strengthened democracy."

More reports from Jammu and Kashmir