Srinagar, Dec 30: JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik Sunday announced to launch 10-day Jail Bharo movement from Friday as first-phase of the campaign to seek rollback of life-sentences awarded to Kashmiris and press for release of prisoners.
 Speaking at a seminar here, JKLF chairman said those languishing in various prisons were the “collective assets” of Kashmir. “I believe the life-sentences awarded to at least 30 persons from the Valley, is part of the political policy of government of J&K and New Delhi,” Malik said.
 “Take the case of Masarat Alam. He was released by the court many a times but is being slapped with new PSA every time,” he said.
 Malik said it was not time to shift responsibilities towards others. “When people of Kashmir launched a sustained campaign against the death penalty of Muhammad Afzal Guru, only then his sentence was delayed,” Malik said.
 He said Britain, United States and European Union and Indian civil society played their role in the 1994 ceasefire announced by JKLF.
 “Those who were active militants before 1994 and were in jails, were released after the ceasefire. Even Muhammad Qasim Fakhtoo was released once for one-and-a half years. But suddenly, all these people were re-arrested and have now been awarded with life sentences,” he said.
 Malik said if people of Kashmir think that the life-sentences can be fought in courts, the move would tantamount to bailing out Government of India. “It is high time for the heads of all groups (separatist camp) to take the case as their collective responsibility. We will launch 10-day Jail Bharo movement from coming Friday and that will be first step towards seeking scraping of life-sentences against 30 Kashmiris and their release,” he said. 
 Malik said the future strategy would be accordingly announced.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST