Centre asks J-K Government to vigorously pursue criminal cases against Masarat Alam

The Centre has directed the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to vigorously pursue all 27 criminal cases registered against Kashmiri separatist Masarat Alam.

The Union Home Ministry has also asked the state government to challenge the bail granted to him recently.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh informed both Houses of Parliament on Thursday that the Centre has issued an advisory to Jammu and Kashmir Government in this regard.

He said a close surveillance must be ensured to prevent Alam and his associates or supporters from continuing with their disruptive activities.

Singh said state government agencies should work in close tandem with the Central Government security and intelligence agencies to ensure normalcy in the state.

He said the Jammu and Kashmir Government has assured that an effective surveillance system is in place to keep a watch over Alam's activities.

Singh also assured Parliament that preventive action will be taken in areas likely to be visited by Alam and other separatist elements where peace and order could be a matter of concern.

The Union Home Minister said the state government has informed the Centre that there were no fresh grounds for detaining Alam.