Srinagar, Aug. 24 -- The government has opened up channels of communication with former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, who were arrested ahead of the scrapping of Article 370 earlier this month.

Highly placed official sources said a team comprising members of different Central agencies met with the two leaders in Srinagar to allow their release on "certain conditions".

The government wants to release the mainstream leaders and allow them to reach out to their party workers, but it does not want them to issue any statements or indulge in activities that would aggravate the situation in the Valley.

Sources said Omar Abdullah has sought more time to come up with a response.

Hurriyat leader Mirwa...