Free political prisoners: Mufti to DGP

Tribune News Service  

Jammu, March 4

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today directed state Director General of Police K Rajendra to initiate a process of releasing all political prisoners, mostly separatists in the Kashmir Valley, against whom no criminal charges are registered.

Official sources said there were less than a dozen political prisoners detained in jails across the state. The CM also asked the police department to evolve a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of surrendered and released militants so that they were integrated into the mainstream of the society of the state. Chief Minister said these youth should be given a chance to settle down and lead a normal life as other citizens of the State and contribute to the society.

Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of Home Department, made these directions while holding a detailed review with the DGP here after assuming office. Inspector General, CID, B. Srinivasan also attended the meeting.

He said initiating a process of release of political prisoners would send a positive message across the political spectrum of the state. “Dissent in democracy makes the system vibrant and dynamic and we should always try to evolve such a system,” he said, adding democracy is a battle of ideas and it should not be held hostage to the agreements or disagreements on issues. A total of 4,081 militants surrendered in J&K in the past two decades.