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Decision to release separatist taken during India's direct rule in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Xinhua, March 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

The release of a separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat in Indian- controlled Kashmir that stirred Indian parliament, with Narendra Modi-led government saying they were not consulted by local government Tuesday took a new twist.

A New Delhi based private news channel "NDTV 24X7" said it has accessed two letters, which revealed the Indian-controlled Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had no direct role in Bhat's release.

According to letters since no fresh charges were brought against Bhat during the 49-day of New Delhi's direct rule enforced by region's governor N N Vohra, his detention was illegal.

Since the governor and the police both report to Home Ministry, the letters put question mark on the statements made on Monday by Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Indian parliament over Bhat's release.

Modi on Monday told parliament that there will be no compromise on India's security and shared his concerns with opposition members.

The opposition questioned Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) government over Bhat's release and described it "anti-national".

The right-wing Hindu nationalist party heads a coalition with pro-India Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the restive region.

Separatist Masarat Alam Bhat, hardline protest leader, was released on Saturday after four years of his detention under a preventive law. Bhat was on the forefront of 2010 anti-India protests in the region.

Bhat's release evoked sharp condemnations from the BJP members as well, who blame the region's chief minister for acting unilaterally.

A separatist movement and guerrilla war challenging New Delhi' s rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

New Delhi accuses Islamabad of sending armed militants to Indian-controlled Kashmir. However, Islamabad says it only provides moral and political support to Kashmiris.Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Endi