Srinagar: Continuing with its policy of releasing detenues not involved in heinous crimes, Jammu and Kashmir Government today (Feb 1, 2004) released 34 former militants on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha.

The former militants were brought to the central jail from various jails in the State and handed over to their relatives.

"We have released 34 former militants serving detention on various charges. None of them was involved in any serious crime," an official spokesman said.

He said the detention orders of these persons were revoked as part of the State Government's policy to relax the atmosphere and give the youth another chance to lead a normal life.

So far, 250 detainees have been released since November 2, 2002, when the coalition Government led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed assumed office in the State.