Nitish asks BJP to make its stand clear on Alam's release

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday sought an explanation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is a part of the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, over the release of separatist leader Masarat Alam.

"Whatever is happening (in Jammu and Kashmir), the government of BJP is completely responsible for it," Kumar told the media here.

"Earlier, the BJP was all excited to make an alliance. So, now it should come forward and give an explanation because the BJP is part of the ruling Government in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

The Janata Dal (United) leader also asked the BJP to make its stand clear on the issue.

"Whatever is happening they will have to clear it, they cannot avoid responsibility." he added.

Alam was released from the Baramulla Prison following the 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.