Separatist leader Masrath Alam freed from J-K prison

Masrat Alam Bhat, a senior separatist leader who was arrested at the peak of the 2010 unrest in the valley was released on Saturday.

Alam’s release came two days after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed directed the police ‘to release political prisoners who are not facing any criminal charges’.

Bhat who had underground during the unrest which claimed 115 lives mostly youth was arrested by police during a raid on a house in the outskirts of the capital city.

His arrest had been described by police that time as a major success.

Alam had been accused of stoking unrest by inciting and mobilizing the youth in the valley. “He was released from Baramulla jail,” said a senior police officer.

“Initiating a process of release of political prisoners would send a positive message across the political spectrum of the state,” the chief minister said at a review meeting with state police chief K.Rajendra after assuming office.

The state intelligence chief, Dr. B. Srinivas had also attended the meeting.

ufti said that ‘dissent in democracy makes the system vibrant and dynamic and we should always try to evolve such a system’. “Democracy is a battle of ideas and it should not be held hostage to the agreements or disagreements on issues.”

The chief minister also directed the police chief to prepare a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of surrendered and released militants so that they are integrated into the mainstream.

He said these youth should be given a chance to settle down and lead a normal life as other citizens of the State and contribute to the society.

Sources said that some more jailed separatists are being released in the coming days.

Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff