SRINAGAR. Sept 8 Govern ment released three Kashmiri separatist leaders and shops and businesses reopened today, day after voting In Jammu-Kashmir state s first local elec tions In nine years officials said reports AP

The rebels leaders. Syed All Shah Geelani. Yasin Malik and Abdul Ghani Lone, and 29 of their supporters were set free soon after the first phase of vot Ing ended on Saturday, said Mohlnder Sabharwal a top state police officer

They were detained last Fri day for campaigning against the elections and urging the [>eople to boycott them

Today, shops and businesses reopened In the Kashmir valley after two days of genera) strike called by the All Party Hurrtyat Conference, an umbrella group of 32 separatist organizations

The group opposes the state elections and wants s referen dum to decide whether Kashmir should belong to India to Pak 1st an. or become Independent