BJP to discuss Masarat Alam's release with PDP

Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Jugal Kishore on Sunday said that his party was not in support of releasing leader of the hardline-faction of Hurriyat, Masarat Alam, and added that they would discuss the matter with the PDP.

"We are not in favour of Masarat's release; this decision has not been taken after taking the BJP into confidence. We have called a party meeting today to discuss the matter and we will further discuss it with the PDP as well," said Kishore.

"If such people are released, then they will keep doing the same. BJP has told everyone what they think about his release. We were not asked for our opinion on it. If they would have asked us, then we would have not agreed," he added.

Earlier in the day, Alam had said that changing governments did not change the ground reality.

"Changing governments does not change the ground reality. Either we will change it or the people," said Alam in an exclusive interview with ANI.

BJP workers had staged a protest against the release of the separatist leader, earlier on Saturday.

Alam was release d from Baramulla prison following the new government's policy to free political prisoners who do not face criminal charges.

Alam is the chairman of Muslim League, a constituent of hard-line Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and is widely seen as the latter's successor.

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