Masarat Alam release might sidetrack development in J-K: Security expert

Security expert Qamar Agha on Sunday opined that the release of top separatist leader Masarat Alam might be detrimental to development in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that newly elected Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's policy may give rise to extremist elements in the state.

"Alam is not a political prisoner, he belongs to extremist groups and believes in separatism. This sort of arbitrary decision is not going to help solve the issue in Kashmir. It is a coalition government and he should have consulted the other partners before releasing him. By taking such extreme measures I fear the agenda of development might be side-tracked," Agha told ANI.

"This may once again give rise to the forces of separatism and extremism in the Valley. After a long gap, the situation has normalised, but if Mufti continues of indulge in populist measures, the agenda of development might be side-tracked," he added.

Alam was released 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 an anti-India protests resulting into the death of 112 people in stone pelting across the Valley during 2010.