PDP downplays BJP's criticism of releasing separatist leader

PDP today downplayed the criticism by its coalition partner BJP to the release of separatist leader Masarat Alam and said engaging all stakeholders for establishing peace in Jammu and Kashmir was part of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the two parties.

"This (the release of Alam) has to be seen in proper perspective. It is an important part of our Common Minimum Programme to involve all stakeholders in the state, and across the Line of Control, for reconciliation and peace in the state," PDP chief spokesman and Education Minister Naeem Akhtar told PTI.

"If you want to have a dialogue with all stakeholders, which includes these leaders, you cannot engage them by keeping them in jail without anything substantial against them," he added.

Akhtar said the courts had intervened on the detention of some of the leaders and set them free.

Asked about the opposition by BJP to Alam's release, Akhtar said he does not want to get into a public debate on it.

"They have their own views but I don't want to enter into a public debate on this issue. This is part of our CMP," he added.

Muslim League chairman Masarrat Alam was released yesterday after four and half years of detention.