Is the J&K government right in releasing separatist leader Masarat Alam?
Is the J&K government right in releasing separatist leader Masarat Alam?
Ignoring the decision of the central government, the Mufti Mohd Sayeed state government in Jammu Kashmir, released separatist leader Masarat Alam from Baramulla jail. The Hurriyat Conference leader was kept behind the bars since 2010 after he was charged for leading anti-India protests across the Kashmir valley. The decision has taken a form of vociferous debate and opposition all over the country. Is the J&K government right in releasing separatist leader Masarat Alam?
Yes
- The separatist leader doesn’t face any criminal allegations and therefore he can be released by the state government.
- The release of political prisoners has been happening in the past. Even in 2002, senior political leaders in the region were released.
- The government in Jammu and Kashmir is a pure form of coalition government and therefore the state government can take such kind of decisions.
- As per the report from Jammu and Kashmir Department, the separatist leader has been released after he was granted bail in all cases. It is a legal step.
- Alam was released after completion of a normal legal process. Also, his public safety act detention was going to end in this week.
No
- The state government didn’t find it important to consult or inform the Centre government before taking such a sensitive decision.
- BJP is in ruling alliance with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir and the latest decision has increased ideological differences between the parties.
- Alam was behind the prison as he was accused of leading protests across Kashmir in 2010. Almost 110 people died during clashed with forces. Directly or indirectly, it was a loss for country.
- The conduct of separatist leader and his statements after the release are fresh reasons to consider his fresh detention under Public Safety Act.
- Mufti is reflecting double standards by making unjustified remarks like thanking militants and Pakistan for peaceful polls. Such an attitude is not acceptable.
- Public Safety Act is an important act in India and its significance is completely ignored in this case.
Conclusion
Any decision by the state government to release a separatist leader or anti-national elements from jail can result in serious consequences. The Central Government is against the decision and demands the closure of surrender and rehabilitation policy. It is purely an insult to the Indian Army, the national people of J&K and security forces who give their blood to save the country.
Discussion
- RE: Is the J&K government right in releasing separatist leader Masarat Alam? -Deepa Kaushik (03/10/15)
- J&K Government has released Masarat Alam after the completion of the legal formalities. It is understandable that releasing Alam is not an offense under legal grounds. Mufti’s thanking comments to the Pakistan and militants regarding the peaceful polling procedure should not be clubbed within this issue. Alam’s release should be considered as a separate issue with respect to the safety of the country.
When we perceive Alam’s punishment, it is very clear that he held the anti-India protest in Kashmir valley which had also claimed many lives. When it comes to the situation of life and death of the citizens of the country and the safety of the nationals, the should be extra care to get any decision to action. The State Government should have informed the completion of the legal criteria for the release of Alam before getting him off the bars.
Though we cannot blame the J&K Government completely, still we can also not consider them to be right in releasing the separatist leader without intimating the Centre. The safety and security of the citizens is of utmost importance, and their should not be a minor carelessness in this regard. The State Government should have previewed the agitations that could result from the release of Alam and acted accordingly after considering the Centre.
