'BJP-PDP should ensure law, order in J-K': Meem Afzal

Following the arrest of separatist leader Masarat Alam, Congress leader Meem Afzal on Friday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and People's Democratic Party (PDP) coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir should ensure that law and order is maintained in the state.

"The J-K government should make sure that law and order is maintained. It is a good thing that Masarat Alam is arrested. Better late than never, but the damage has been done," Meem Afzal told ANI here.

"Since the past five years, such incidents like Pakistan flag hoisting or raising slogans did not take place. After Masarat Alam's release, he damaged the peace within a few days of his release," he added.

Earlier in the day, as a preventive measure to maintain law and order, Alam and another separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani had been arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police.

The state government has also denied permission for today's proposed congregation in Tral, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed reportedly instructing the police to refuse permission for the rally.

The rally was scheduled to begin from Srinagar to Tral where a youth was killed allegedly by the army while he was in their custody.

Alam is the chairman of Muslim League, a constituent of hardline Hurriyat Conference led by Geelani and is widely seen as the latter's heir apparent.

He had been convicted for organizing anti-India protests resulting in the death of 112 people in stone pelting across the Valley in 2010.