Kashmiri separatist released after four years

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday released separatist leader Masrat Alam from preventive detention after more than four years, police said.

Alam was arrested during the 2010 unrest in the Kashmir Valley. He was accused of inciting youth during the unrest in which at least 112 people were killed in bloody clashes between unruly mobs and security forces.

Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed had said all separatist leaders under detention would be released.

State police chief K. Rajendra Kumar had also said the release of separatist leaders from detention would soon begin after receiving orders from the chief minister.

Alam had evaded arrest for months during the 2010 unrest. He had made fiery speeches at sensitive places.

Alam belongs to the Muslim League and is believed to be close to hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani.