#PDP goes soft after #PM #Modi’s statement over #Masrat #Alam, says it won’t release more #prisoners

New Delhi: Peoples Democratic Party had been goes softer a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had slammed the decision of Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for the release of Hurriyat leader Masrat Alam. PDP had assured its main ally party for J&K BJP on Tuesday that it will not release any other terror convicts.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Tuesday telephoned Home Minister Rajnath Singh and assured him that directives of the court will be followed in releasing political prisoners in the future.

Notify that Prime Minister Modi on Monday termed Alam’s release as an “unacceptable act” in Parliament, asserting that the Centre would take appropriate measures to ensure that the country’s unity and integrity are not hurt.

“This government will not tolerate no such act which can compromise the country’s unity and integrity. We will take action as laid down under the Constitution,” Modi told protesting opposition members in Lok Sabha after they sought to corner the government over the release of Masarat, who has been accused of choreographing large-scale street violence across the Valley which left 112 protesters dead in 2010.

According to media reports, PDP was however firm on Alam’s release, saying the decision was done before the Sayeed government was sworn-in in the Valley.

The party quoted, “We followed rules.”

Reports also said that PDP was opposed to filing fresh charges against Alam.

Notify that Central government of BJP government was cornered on the issue. Opposition parties including Congress, Left, TMC and NCP were joined by BJP ally AIADMK to condemn the move as “anti-national” and dangerous to the country’s integrity. Modi distanced his government from the controversial decisions of the J&K government, asserting that Sayeed had acted without consulting or informing the Centre.

Modi’s speech in the Lok Sabha had underlined the strain in the coalition with PDP. The Prime Minister was however firm that his party will no longer put up with more such controversial decisions.

Bureau Report