Jammu: Asserting no innocent would remain in jail, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister
Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on March 26 said his government would continue its policy to
release prisoners not involved in serious crimes in the state.
The state had adopted a policy to release prisoners not involved in serious crimes
in the state and a screening panel had been constituted in this regard, Sayeed said
replying to supplementaries in the state Assembly.
"We will continue this process," he said.
On allegations that his government was soft towards militants, the Chief Minister
said when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre released
Yasin Malik, a top militant, they were not branded as militants.
"But when we re-released Yasin Malik, a hue and cry was raised and we were branded
as militants."
Sayeed said over 16,000 people had been arrested during the period of militancy in
Jammu and Kashmir under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and most of them were released.
At present, only 476 persons were lodged in different jails under PSA, he said.
To a question, Sayeed said eight people were released on parole and 17 were set free
on recommendations of the review committee.
Ten government officials and policemen were arrested for their involvement in
militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
PTI
