Haven’t applied for passport yet : Syed Ali Geelani

‘Won’t go for biometrics till my house detention ends’

5 Dariya News (Rouf Pampori)

Srinagar 22-May-2015

Senior separatist leader and Huriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani Friday said he has so far not submitted his passport form and the media hype given to his passport issue is tantamount to exploiting the situation.Talking to KNS, Geelani said he has not submitted his passport application form and that until his house detention is not ended, he will not go for the biometric procedure.  “My residence has been converted into a garrison. I am under house arrest. There is a large number police party outside my gate- until, I am not freed, I cannot fulfill the formalities,” Geelani said.

He maintained that the media hype given to the issue of his passport was uncalled for and an attempt to complicate the situation.The octogenarian Huriyat Chairman said passport is his right and the issue must not be given the political colour. “We live under occupation and it is indeed our compulsion to seek passport under the present system,” Geelani told KNS.Pertinently, police earlier said that the separatist leader should first complete formalities for the purpose of passport.A senior police officer told KNS that Geelani has not given his biometrics at the passport office yet. “He shall go to passport office to give his biometrics. He is free to go to the passport office. Till he doesn’t give his biometric he can’t be given the passport. Even prime minister and chief ministers have to go to passport office to give their biometrics,” said the senior cop.India's rejection of a passport for Syed Ali Geelani has sparked a row after he refused to identify himself as Indian.Geelani, who has been under house arrest for most of the last five years, had wanted to see his ailing daughter in Saudi Arabia.