Home ministry seeks report from J&K govt on separatist leader's release

The Union home ministry has sought a report from Jammu and Kashmir government on circumstances leading to release from jail of hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam, who has over 15 cases pending against him.

Despite being a Sunday, officials of the Kashmir division in the home ministry worked overtime to gather all facts from the state government on the issue which has led to strain in the People’s Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance.

The ministry wanted to know the reasons that led to release of 44-year-old Alam, who spearheaded 2010 agitation, from the Baramulla jail on Saturday night.

According to sources, Alam had around 15 cases pending against him which included those registered under section 120 and 121 Ranbir Penal Code (waging war against the country) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

With Opposition parties in Parliament already up in arms over Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's statement last Sunday when he credited Pakistan, Hurriyat Conference and militant outfits for smooth conduct of elections in the state, the government expects disruption over this development as well when the session resumes on Monday after the Holi break.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to outline the government position on the issue which has kicked up a political storm.

The sources said Union Home Secretary L C Goyal had also spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police K Rajendra to ascertain the reasons behind the release of Alam, who has also been booked by police under criminal conspiracy for 2010 agitation during which about 120 youths lost their lives.

In Jammu, the police chief held a meeting with the chief minister over the issue.

As many as six policemen were promoted when Alam had been arrested in October 2010 from Harwan area on the outskirts of Srinagar city besides distribution of Rs 10 lakh cash reward to the cops as well as to the informers. He was carrying a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on information leading to his arrest.

Image: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed