Separatist leader Masarat Alam on Wednesday sparked fresh controversy after he was seen waving Pakistan's flag at a rally in Srinagar.

The incident has led to widespread criticism over Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufit Mohommad Sayeed's move to release the separatist leader.

Earlier, Alam was released from the 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 hardline 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.