Release order issued during guv rule: J&K

A fresh controversy has erupted over the release of hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat as a letter from the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Home Department revealed that the order for his release was issued in February during governor’s rule.

The letter no “Home/PBV/01-2014 dated 02-02-2015” written by the additional secretary to the district magistrate of Jammu mentions that there are no fresh grounds for booking Alam under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

The letter, however, mentions that a “fresh order can be issued for detention of the detenu (Alam) after following the procedure prescribed in the Act and directions of the Supreme Court.”

On receiving the order, the district magistrate in another letter no “417-21/DMJ/10/2014-15 dated 07-02-2015” asked SSP Jammu to release Alam and communicate the action taken to the principal secretary, Home Department.

The revelation has put both the Mufti Mohammed Sayeed led state government and the BJP government at the Center in an embarrassing position.

Meanwhile, state Home Secretary Suresh Kumar said on Tuesday that the J&K government will not free political prisoners or militants anymore.