J-K BJP demands immediate arrest of Geelani, Alam

Jammu, Apr 16: Jammu and Kashmir BJP on Thursday demanded immediate arrest of separatist leaders who had waved Pakistani flags during a rally in Srinagar, saying it was not satisfied with the "mere registration" of a police case against them.

"We have conveyed to our coalition partner especially to the chief minister who holds the home ministry that we are not satisfied with mere registration of the FIR against Masarat Alam and Syed Ali Shah Geelani," J-K BJP chief spokesman Sunil Sethi told reporters here.

"we want their immediate arrest for their anti-national activities," Sunil said. [Waving of Pakistani flags, raising pro-Pak slogans 'unacceptable': Mufti]

He said the party was of the opinion that activities of Masarat Alam pose a threat to the national security.

"As long as this man is out of jail, he continues to be a threat to national security. BJP is of the view that this man should be behind bars," he said. [From Centre's rap to Mufti's response, know all about Masarat Alam's pro-Pak rhetoric]

When asked to comment on BJP's next move if the government fails to arrest the separatist leaders, Sethi said, "We will take some strong action, as the party will never make its stand soft on the issue of national security as national security is paramount for us."

BJP state general secretary and MLA from Kathua seat, Rajiv Jasrotia said Geelani with a heavy tilt towards Pakistan knows exactly how to remain in news. [Rajnath Singh speaks to Mufti, asks J-K govt to take strict action]

"Time and again, it has been proved that his political ideology is based on heavy dose of communalism. Over the years, he has mastered the art of exploiting religious beliefs of the common Kashmiri Muslims," he said.

"His rantings like his character have changed from time to time," he said. "I want action against Masarat Alam as soon as possible. I am hopeful that state government will take action as per the law," he said.

PTI