Rajnath Singh likely to make statement in Lok Sabha over Masarat Alam's release

 Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to make a statement in the Lok Sabha on Monday over the release of leader of the hardline-faction of Hurriyat, Masarat Alam. The home ministry has also sought a report on the release of the separatist leader who has over 15 cases pending against him.

Alam was released from Baramulla prison following the new Jammu and Kashmir government's policy to free political prisoners who do not face criminal charges. Alam is the chairman of Muslim League, a constituent of hard-line Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and is widely seen as the latter's successor.

He had been convicted for organizing anti-India protests resulting in the death of 112 people in stone pelting across the Valley in 2010. Masarat's release has drawn a lot of criticism from several political parties.