Sir — This refers to reports that Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed ordered the release of separatist hardliner Masarat Alam. It was expected that the Chief Minister, leading the BJP-PDP coalition, would be more sensitive to the feelings of its partner, after his initial faux pas in praising Pakistan and its allies in Kashmir for the peaceful election. Sadly, it was not to be. Once again, the Mufti did not think it necessary to discuss the issue of releasing a major separatist leader, responsible for a serious incident in which over a hundred innocent Kashmiris were killed, with the BJP leadership.
Why is the Mufti indulging in clearly provocative steps, violating the letter and the spirit of the agreed agendaIJ Is he fed up with the alliance between the elected representatives of Jammu and the valley within less than a week of its existence, possibly because it is making him unpopular with the Muslim separatistsIJ He is clearly indulging in quick and dramatic moves like releasing extremists.
If this is the case, Mr Sayeed must come out openly and break the partnership. His unilateral decision-making cannot go on for long. Indian nationalist opinion will also force the BJP to end the charade. Thus, the ball is in the Mufti’s court.