16 more J-K detainees to be released

The Centre-State joint screening committee has recommended the release of 16 detainees in J-K following the second round of talks between the Centre and the delegation of Hurriyat leaders on March 27.

The list was finalised at a meeting of the committee in Jammu on Thursday evening, which was attended by the special secretary (Home), joint secretary (Kashmir Affairs in the Home Ministry) and representatives of the J-K police, Army and Intelligence Department. While 10 names were cleared from a fresh list, six names were cleared from an earlier list.

However, sources say, the release may take place only after the elections as the model code of conduct is in force.

The list, sources say, includes names of some second-rung leaders of the Hurriyat Conference detained under the Public Safety Act.