New Delhi: Defending release of a militants by the Jammu and Kashmir government as a
step in the 'larger interest' of the nation and the state, Deputy Chief Minister
Mangat Ram Sharma on December 12 said if the released persons were found disturbing
law and order, the government's hands were 'not tied'.
Sharma, a senior Congress leader, also said that the month-old People's Democratic
Party-led coalition government was functioning smoothly and had launched welfare
schemes to provide succour to those affected by militancy.
"Our intention is to restore peace and win over the alienated sections of people. We
want to create a tension-free atmosphere in the state and release of militants is a
step in this direction," he told while explaining the reasons behind the release of
six militants, a move which was criticised by the Centre.
The government had released "few" militants, Sharma said, "They are under watch and
if they tend to disturb law and order, the government's hands are not tied."
Sharma expressed confidence that such a move would create government's goodwill
among the masses and bring people closer to the administration.
He also described the release as a measure to pay back the 'nationalist and secular'
people of the state, who defied terrorist threats and braved militant attacks to
cast their votes.
As part of its move to win over people, the government had also initiated various
other welfare measures, including giving employment to the kins of militancy victims
and improving infrastructural facilities, he said, adding
de-centralisation of powers to the panchayats was also in the offing.
About 4,000 new schools are being set up and many are being upgraded to provide a
school within one kilometre, he said, adding the move would also generate
employment, as locals would be recruited in these institutions.
The government had taken steps to improve power and water supplies and facilities in
hospitals are also being improved, he added.
PTI
