Geelani debunks Centre's claims on peace in J

Srinagar, May 16 (UNI) Breakaway Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has rejected outright the Centre's claims that the situation was fast improving in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement here, he alleged that a pre-1989 situation was being created in the state when youth were forced to take recourse to extreme steps.

Mr Geelani also alleged that there was no let up in custodial killings and other atrocities on the people in Jammu and Kashmir.

''The killing of people in staged encounters continues unabated.

People are sent to jails by invoking black laws and political leaders are arrested to prevent them from carrying out activities.'' The firebrand leader said the saner elements among the policy makers of India should pay immediate attention toward the grim situation in Jammu and Kashmir and accordingly take necessary steps.

UNI