Opposition has demanded an answer from the Prime Minister over the release of separatist leader Masarat Alam
New Delhi/Srinagar: The opposition today demanded a statement in Parliament from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the controversial release from prison by the Jammu and Kashmir government, of hardline separatist Masarat Alam.
"People like these can't be released without the government's support. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed must have consulted the Prime Minister as well," alleged the Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge in the Lok Sabha.
In both Houses, senior ministers promised a statement on the issue by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
"Our government will never compromise on national security. The Home Ministry has sought a report from the Jammu and Kashmir government," said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Rajya Sabha.
In the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the Centre had not been consulted by the Jammu and Kashmir government on Mr Alam's release. The opposition raised slogans demanding "the PM must answer". The Lok Sabha was was briefly adjourned amid protests.
Masarat Alam, 44, who was repeatedly detained under the Public Safety Act for four years, was released from the Baramulla jail on Saturday night on the order of new chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of the Peoples Democratic Party. He was arrested in 2010 and is accused of fanning trouble during street protests in which over 100 people died in Kashmir.
The BJP, which partners the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, has registered a formal protest with Chief Minister Sayeed. "This step does not have the consent of the BJP. Nor was the BJP consulted before such a decision was taken. If the PDP had asked us, we would not have given our approval," said the BJP's state chief Jugal Kishore.
This is the second time in less than 10 days since the new Jammu and Kashmir government took oath that the BJP has been embarrassed by its newest ally. The Mufti had earlier thanked "people from across the border" - seen as a reference to Pakistan - and militants for allowing smooth elections in the state.
The opposition had attacked the BJP over that comment last week. Today, Mr Kharge said, "Mufti's statements about Pakistan and the Hurriyat's support were never condemned by the PM... this needs to be stopped."
The PDP says Mr Alam has been released as part of its reconciliation effort and separatists cannot be engaged with or brought into the peace process if they continue in jail.
"People like these can't be released without the government's support. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed must have consulted the Prime Minister as well," alleged the Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge in the Lok Sabha.
In both Houses, senior ministers promised a statement on the issue by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
"Our government will never compromise on national security. The Home Ministry has sought a report from the Jammu and Kashmir government," said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Rajya Sabha.
In the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the Centre had not been consulted by the Jammu and Kashmir government on Mr Alam's release. The opposition raised slogans demanding "the PM must answer". The Lok Sabha was was briefly adjourned amid protests.
Masarat Alam, 44, who was repeatedly detained under the Public Safety Act for four years, was released from the Baramulla jail on Saturday night on the order of new chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of the Peoples Democratic Party. He was arrested in 2010 and is accused of fanning trouble during street protests in which over 100 people died in Kashmir.
The BJP, which partners the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, has registered a formal protest with Chief Minister Sayeed. "This step does not have the consent of the BJP. Nor was the BJP consulted before such a decision was taken. If the PDP had asked us, we would not have given our approval," said the BJP's state chief Jugal Kishore.
This is the second time in less than 10 days since the new Jammu and Kashmir government took oath that the BJP has been embarrassed by its newest ally. The Mufti had earlier thanked "people from across the border" - seen as a reference to Pakistan - and militants for allowing smooth elections in the state.
The opposition had attacked the BJP over that comment last week. Today, Mr Kharge said, "Mufti's statements about Pakistan and the Hurriyat's support were never condemned by the PM... this needs to be stopped."
The PDP says Mr Alam has been released as part of its reconciliation effort and separatists cannot be engaged with or brought into the peace process if they continue in jail.
Story first published: Mar 09, 2015 10:33 IST
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