'Centre wasn't intimated about Alam's release': PM Modi

Amid sharp criticism from the opposition over Masarat Alam's release, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the Centre was not intimated about it by the Jammu and Kashmir Government headed by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

"This has not been done with the Centre's knowledge. No intimation of this was given to the Centre," he told the Lok Sabha, which led to pandemonium across the floor of the Lower House.

Prime Minister Modi said the government would not tolerate any such step, which undermines the country's unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"Do not teach us patriotism..... We have asked for a clarification on the Masarat Alam issue, when it comes we will inform you," he added.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier assured the Lower House that the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre will never compromise on issues of public safety and public security.

Earlier, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon on Monday, following an uproar in the Upper House over the recent release of separatist leader Masarat Alam.

Opposition leaders and members sought an explanation from Prime Minister Modi on the issue, chanting 'Pradhan Mantri, jawab do!'

Similar disruptive scenes are being witnessed in the Lok Sabha as well, with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan repeatedly remonstrating with the opposition to hold off on their protests and await a reply from the treasury benches.

The Union Home Ministry had earlier sought a report from the Jammu and Kashmir Government on circumstances leading to the release of separatist leader.

Alam was released from Baramulla prison following the new Jammu and Kashmir 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 in the death of 112 people in stone pelting across the Valley in 2010.

Masarat's release has drawn a lot of criticism from several political parties.