In Jammu & Kashmir, authorities today released two senior separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and former Hurriyat Chairman Abbas Ansari few hours after their detention in their houses. However, Syed Ali Geelani continues to be under house detention. The move was seen as part of efforts to prevent the separatists from meeting Pakistan National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz in New Delhi later this week ahead of NSA talks between India and Pakistan. <br/><br/>Earlier, authorities had put almost all separatist leaders under house arrested or detained, who accepted the Pakistan envoy's invite for talks and decided to meet Pakistan National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz ahead of talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi scheduled on 23rd of this month.<br/><br/>Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised Mufti's government for the curbs on separatists. He claimed that NSA level talks are being held under international pressure. Pertinently, after inauguration of phase two of Cross LoC Trade Facilitation Centre at Salamabad Uri in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his Deputy Dr Nirmal Singh today unequivocally advocated India Pakistan dialogue for long lasting peace and tranquillity in the region.

Kashmiri separatist leaders who were today put under house arrest in Srinagar, have been released by the government.<br/><br/>They include Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Shabbir Shah, Nayeem Khan, Yasin Malik , Abbas Ansari and others.<br/><br/>However, hardliner Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani will continue to remain under house arrest, police sources said.<br/><br/>Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit had invited Mr. Geelani for a meeting on August 24 with Pakistan National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz, who will be in the national capital for talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.<br/><br/>Moderate separatist leaders have also been invited for a reception being hosted by Mr. Basit for the visiting Pakistani official on August 23.