Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah today said that his government does not want to
detain separatist leaders like chairman of hardline faction of
Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Winding up two-day discussions on grants of the
departments under him, Omar in the state assembly here this
evening said, "My government does not want to detain leaders
like Geelani, but are compelled to take action against such
people for maintenance of law and order and safeguarding the
general masses from unnecessary violence, killings and
harassment."
"I do not want to hold separatist leaders under Public
Safety Act even for a day extra, if they do not disturb law
and order," he said adding "It is unfortunate that they abate
the innocent youth to resort to uncalled stone-pelting on
security forces putting their lives to danger, while they and
their children and families relish in the comforts of their
homes."
However, he said that the graph of his government on
this count is even better than the PDP government during which
228 arrests were made and 142 releases effected in the first
seven months of their government.
"During our seven months period, we have arrested 152
people and released 121. Of the arrestees, 17 were foreign
terrorists and 33 timber smugglers," the CM said.
Bureau Report
