Geelani detained in Kashmir; denied permission to visit Pakistan

Srinagar, Mar 17: Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani was taken into preventive custody alongwith four others in north Kashmir today, official sources said.

They said Mr Geelani was taken into custody by police at Mirgund on the Srinagar-Baramulla road. Four others, including Mr Geelani's secretary were also taken into custody by the police.

A spokesman of the HC Aiyaz Akbar said Mr Geelani was on way to Baramulla when police arrested him.

He said Geelani was scheduled to address a public meeting besides today's congregation there.

Geelani, who was invited to attend the World Social Forum Conference at Karachi in Pakistan , was again denied travel documents by the Indian government, the spokesman said.

Mr Geelani could not attend the Pahgwash conference in Pakistan after he was not issued passport and travel documents by the authorities.

Mr Geelani was invited to attend the five-day conference being held from March 24.

''We were told in clear terms by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) here that Mr Geelani would not be issued passport,'' Mr Aiyaz informed.

Mr Geelani's passport was impounded for his anti India stand on Kashmir issue. However, last year, he was allowed to perform the Haj pilgrimage after being denied permission for five years.

UNI

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