Centre to Kashmir separatists: No more 5-star treatment, no Indian passport either

India

oi-Vicky

In a bid to send out a strict message to Kashmiri separatist leaders, the Union government has decided to stop all facilities that have been extended to them, including security, travel and medical services.

The Centre is also considering revoking the passports of separatist leaders such as Syed Ali Shah Geelani and others.

"Their Indian passport allows them to travel overseas, but their activities abroad are clearly anti-India", Union Home ministry officials said, explaining why the government was considering the move.

It may be recalled that separatist Hurriyat chief Geelani had mentioned his nationality as 'Indian' in his passport form. After filling in the application, though, he said his heart is with Pakistan, but he was forced to say 'Indian' in the nationality column.

The government is planning to curb overseas travels of the separatists, who continue to fuel violence in the Valley.

The Valley has been on the boil for nearly two months, since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

The separatists' expenses are borne by both the state and Union governments. The Centre has told the Jammu and Kashmir government to stop all facilities given to them.

An all-party delegation will visit J&K on Sunday to find ways to restore peace in the state.

The Hurriyat Conference has, however, already issued a calendar of protests and has threatened to block the road to Srinagar airport.

OneIndia News