THE government in J&K has made it clear that more militants will not be released in the state and that it had no such policy. However, the release of separatist leader Masrat Alam stirred up a hornets’ nest in and outside Parliament. It appears that there was some misunderstanding about it. The decision to release Alam apparently came before Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s government took office in February and was taken during Governor’s rule in J&K. In any case, his detention order had already expired. But in the controversy which followed, the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) which had advocated a conciliatory policy towards separatists led by the Hurriyat took credit for Alam’s release while the BJP severely condemned it. The conflict was accentuated by the fact that the PDP had made controversial statements demanding Afzal Guru’s remains. The BJP took the opportunity to play a holier-than-thou nationalist game. Things came to such a pass that Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a threat to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
The situation in J&K is sensitive as the state is vulnerable to terrorist attack across the LoC and Sayeed’s conciliatory policy caused criticism. However, the BJP has since toned down its accusations against the PDP. The state has suffered a lot over the years and its economy is in shambles. A regular review should be made of cases of people detained under the Public Safety Act. They should not languish in jail without charges against them. On the other hand, the J&K government should not release those held for serious crimes. That may lead to further violence. Peace in J&K should be won with honour.
