BJP condemns Mufti remarks over release of political prisoners

The BJP local unit today condemned the "divisive" remarks of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed and asked the leader to concentrate on implementation of Common Minimum Programme.
Hitting out at the Chief Minister's yesterday remarks over initiating process of releasing political prisoners in the state against whom no criminal charges are registered, the BJP unit said that "patronizing separatists and militants" cannot be tolerated.
"My suggestion to the government is that Chief Minister should focus on development and CMP rather than raking controversial issues," BJP's youth wing State Chief and MLA Ravinder Raina told reporters here.
Upset over violation of the Common Minimum Programme of PDP-BJP government led by Mufti, Raina said, "He should concentrate on the development and CMP charted by the senior leaders of BJP ....".

"We are in the government (with PDP) because of the CMP. The surrender and rehabilitation policy is not in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). We will definitely oppose such a move as it will lead to serious consequences," he said.
The leader maintained that "until and unless the sentence accorded by the court of law to the anti-national separatists and terrorists in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is completed, they cannot be released".

Raina, who won election from Sunderbani constituency of Rajouri district, said that such a release will be "an insult to great martyrs of security forces, jawans, army and people of Jammu and Kashmir".

"As a member of BJP, we have a clear cut policy and our stand is very clear on it that surrender and rehabilitation policy should be abolished," he added.
Congress, NC and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) have also criticised Mufti over the remarks terming it "opportunistic".
Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh refused to comment on the alleged violation of CMP by Mufti.