(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday condemned the release of a Kashmiri separatist leader from prison, as political uproar over the move hampered his efforts to push economic reforms through parliament.
Jammu and Kashmir's new government this weekend ordered the release of Masarat Alam, who was jailed for organising massive and violent anti-India demonstrations in 2010 in the state.
Opposition lawmakers created mayhem in parliament yesterday over the move, forcing the adjournment of the Lok Sabha, the lower house, and placing pressure on Modi, whose Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shares power with the Peoples Democratic Party in Kashmir.
"Whatever decisions are taken in Jammu and Kashmir, neither the BJP nor the central government has been consulted," Modi told the parliament in the face of heckling from opposition MPs.
"We will not tolerate anything which undermines the unity, integrity or security of the country. We stand united against separatists and people who support separatism."
Modi, who attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Kashmir, did not take any names but made it clear that Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohamed Sayeed had not consulted the central government before the controversial decision to release Alam.
He said parliament members had a right to criticise the BJP as it was part of the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir. "But we should not say anything that sends a message that there are different voices about the country's unity."
Referring to the controversial decisions of Sayeed, Modi said he had no reason to be quiet over them.
"I want to tell you, we have sought clarification on some issues and after the chief minister provides it, we will share it with the house," Modi said.
He said the anger over the release of the separatist leader was not of a particular party but of the entire house.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh told parliament he has asked for a fresh
report from the state government on why it released Alam.
Modi stormed to power at May general elections pledging to reform and revive India's economy, but opposition parties have united in parliament to block his agenda. Although Modi won the biggest mandate in 30 years at the polls, his party lacks a majority in the upper house Rajya Sabha.
With two weeks remaining until the current parliamentary session ends, experts say Modi's chances of pushing through his reforms, including a bill for easier land purchases for business projects, are fading.
Under pressure from investors and voters to perform, the government is considering calling a rare joint session of parliament to push through market-friendly laws.
"The clock is ticking for the government," Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said in an interview with Mint newspaper published yesterday.
Critics say Alam's release is embarrassing for Modi, whose BJP earlier this month formed an historic coalition government with the PDP that supports self-rule for Kashmir after inconclusive elections in December.
Alam was released late on Saturday after 52 months in jail under a draconian law that allows India's government to detain anyone without trial.
"I will continue my struggle for the right of self-determination for my people. My incarceration is all about Indian attempts to muzzle a voice of justice," the 43-year-old said from his home in Srinagar.
"I am always ready to be incarcerated again, but will not give up my just struggle," said Alam, who has never been convicted despite being arrested 26 times since 1990.
Alam was detained in 2010 after he spearheaded widespread street protests across Kashmir against Indian rule. The demonstrations met with a harsh crackdown by security forces, which killed more than 100 people when they opened fire on demonstrators.
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