Govt did no favour, my release part of judicial process: J&K separatist leader

Hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam, who was released on Saturday after four and a half years of detention, today said the People’s Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party government had done him no favour as his release was part of normal judicial process.

"I have not been done any favour by the government. My release is part of the normal judicial process," Alam told PTI.

He said he had been repeatedly booked under the Public Safety Act even though "I had been granted bail by the concerned courts also."

On the controversy related to his release, the Muslim League leader said, "If there is any hue and cry over my release, it is their headache."

Asked if his release was an indication of resumption of dialogue between the separatists and the government, Alam said a decision on the matter will be taken by Hurriyat Conference. "We (Muslim League) are a part of the forum (Hurriyat Conference). Whatever decision the forum takes on talks, I will follow it," he added.

The separatist leader was arrested in October 2010 at the end of agitation that year.

Alam rejected the suggestions that there was a secret deal between him and the state government over this release and it could lead to dialogue between the Centre and the separatists.

"What is the big deal in my release? I have been going in and coming out of jails for the last 20 years. What is new in my release now?" he asked. 

Image: Hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam