New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Government today (Jan 24, 2004) announced the release of 18 detenues and said more would be set free on the occasion of Eid festival.

This was disclosed by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed after he met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee alongwith 16 members of the Indian Haj delegation.

In reply to a question, Sayeed said the demand of the Hurriyat Conference for the release of detenues was reasonable.

"Ever since the coalition Government came to power we have been following this agenda and released many detenues, including militants after due screening," he said.

Sayeed was leading the Haj delegation which leaves for Saudi Arabia in January 26.