Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday 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 in Srinagar 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.
{{/usCountry}}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.
{{/usCountry}}"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.