Jammu & Kashmir High Court orders immediate release of separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat from preventive custody

Srinagar: In a major development, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court on Wednesday directed the Mehbooba Mufti-led state government to immediately release separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat from preventive custody.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court gave the direction to the state government after quashing the Public Safety Act (PSA) against separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat. The court has directed his immediate release.

Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Tuesday had quashed his detention under stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) of hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam and ordered his release.

As of now, Masarat Alam is lodged in district jail of Kathua in Jammu.

Masarat Alam is a close aide of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani and brain behind the 2010 agitation.

He has been in jail for last six years for spearheading the 2010 agitation during which over 120 people, mostly youth, were killed in security forces firing.