With Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, the Indian government is leaving no stone unturned to eradicate separatism from the Kashmir Valley. In the last five years, over 10 separatist outfits in Jammu and Kashmir have been banned by the Home Ministry, five among them just in the last week.&nbsp;

The Union home ministry has acted upon multiple separatist groups and declared them unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. The five banned groups include separatist groups JKLF, JKFM, and the Muslim League. These groups led by separatist leaders like Yasin Malik, Nayim Khan and Masrat Aalam were banned in the past few days alone, while five other separatist groups were banned over the past five years.

''We welcome this step by the government, It's a great step to ban terrorists and separatist organisations in the Union Territory. They had put Kashmir on a burner, and it was due to these organisations that youth were involved in stone pelting, and terrorism in the name of Pakistan. Since the step of banning these organisations has been taken by our Home Minister and the vision&nbsp;he has for JK, the situation has improved drastically by banning these organizations like Jamaat Islami, Muslim League and Geelani's faction. There is peace, progress and development as the output of the same. They were producing terrorists and stone pelters and that has stopped," said Altaf Thakur, BJP spokesperson.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declares-yasin-malik-led-jklf-as-unlawful-association-for-another-five-years-amit-shah-700723">India declares Yasin Malik-led JKLF as 'unlawful association' for another five years</a>

Meanwhile, in a significant move, the daughter&nbsp;of jailed separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah and granddaughter of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani publicly distanced themselves from the separatist ideologies that their&nbsp;father&nbsp;and grandfather once championed. Sama Shabir and Ruwa Shah have taken a bold step towards reaffirming their allegiance to the Union of India.

Ruwa Shah, the granddaughter of Geelani, disassociated herself from her late grandfather's Hurriyat Conference faction through a published notice in a local newspaper in the valley. She made it clear that she stands as a proud citizen of India and holds no sympathy towards separatist ideologies. Similarly, Sama Shabir, the elder daughter of Shabir Ahmad Shah, emphasised her loyalty to India in another public notice, denouncing any association with her father's banned separatist organisation.

''The granddaughter of Syed Ali Geelani and daughter of Shabir Ahmad Shah, both have distanced themselves from the separatist ideology. They have said that their parents and grandparents had the wrong ideology, and they are proud to be citizens of India. It's a big slap on the face of separatists and also on the regional political parties like National Conference and PDP, who keep talking about talks with Pakistan, it is also a slap on them. Both these daughters coming out and accepting India's ideology and being proud of it is a big achievement,'' said Altaf Thakur, BJP Spokesperson.&nbsp;

Official sources have indicated that in preparation for the Lok Sabha polls and to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the Valley for the common populace to participate freely and fairly in the democratic process, central agencies and the MHA have been keeping a close eye on&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, the Indian government is leaving no stone unturned to eradicate separatism from the Kashmir Valley. In the last five years, over 10 separatist outfits in Jammu and Kashmir have been banned by the Home Ministry, five among them just in the last week.

With Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, the Indian government is leaving no stone unturned to eradicate separatism from the Kashmir Valley. In the last five years, over 10 separatist outfits in Jammu and Kashmir have been banned by the Home Ministry, five among them just in the last week. The Union home ministry has acted upon multiple separatist groups and declared them unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. The five banned groups include separatist groups JKLF, JKFM, and the Muslim League. These groups led by separatist leaders like Yasin Malik, Nayim Khan and Masrat Aalam were banned in the past few days alone, while five other separatist groups were banned over the past five years. ''We welcome this step by the government, It's a great step to ban terrorists and separatist organisations in the Union Territory. They had put Kashmir on a burner, and it was due to these organisations that youth were involved in stone pelting, and terrorism in the name of Pakistan. Since the step of banning these organisations has been taken by our Home Minister and the vision he has for JK, the situation has improved drastically by banning these organizations like Jamaat Islami, Muslim League and Geelani's faction. There is peace, progress and development as the output of the same. They were producing terrorists and stone pelters and that has stopped," said Altaf Thakur, BJP spokesperson. Also read | India declares Yasin Malik-led JKLF as 'unlawful association' for another five years Meanwhile, in a significant move, the daughter of jailed separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah and granddaughter of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani publicly distanced themselves from the separatist ideologies that their father and grandfather once championed. Sama Shabir and Ruwa Shah have taken a bold step towards reaffirming their allegiance to the Union of India. Ruwa Shah, the granddaughter of Geelani, disassociated herself from her late grandfather's Hurriyat Conference faction through a published notice in a local newspaper in the valley. She made it clear that she stands as a proud citizen of India and holds no sympathy towards separatist ideologies. Similarly, Sama Shabir, the elder daughter of Shabir Ahmad Shah, emphasised her loyalty to India in another public notice, denouncing any association with her father's banned separatist organisation. ''The granddaughter of Syed Ali Geelani and daughter of Shabir Ahmad Shah, both have distanced themselves from the separatist ideology. They have said that their parents and grandparents had the wrong ideology, and they are proud to be citizens of India. It's a big slap on the face of separatists and also on the regional political parties like National Conference and PDP, who keep talking about talks with Pakistan, it is also a slap on them. Both these daughters coming out and accepting India's ideology and being proud of it is a big achievement,'' said Altaf Thakur, BJP Spokesperson. Official sources have indicated that in preparation for the Lok Sabha polls and to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the Valley for the common populace to participate freely and fairly in the democratic process, central agencies and the MHA have been keeping a close eye on Jammu and Kashmir.

Multiple separatist outfits in J&K banned; Geelani's granddaughter declares loyalty to India

Pro-Pakistani hard-line separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani died at his residence on Wednesday. 91-year-old Syed Ali Shah Geelani was suffering from kidney disease for the last two decades. His death ends a chapter of anti-India separatist politics in Kashmir.

Pro-Pak hard line separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani dies

Heavy rains and strong winds have battered Karachi for over a week. The downpour has flooded many areas of the city with low-lying houses have been submerged and traffic movement has been disrupted.

The residents of Karachi are struggling to wade through knee-high water.

Eight people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents so far. Rescue officials say that most of the deaths occurred due to electrocution...

The residents of Karachi are waiting for Islamabad to come up with a flood-relief plan but Islamabad is too busy as it got bigger tasks at hand like rewarding Kashmiri separatists.

Islamabad wants to honour Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a Kashmiri separatist and a terror-backer.

The Pakistan Senate has unanimously passed a resolution lauding the &nbsp;'relentless struggle' of Geelani.&nbsp;

In the resolution, Pakistani lawmakers have praised Geelani's 'unwavering commitment, dedication, perseverance and leadership' and they have asked the government to confer upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan.

The highest civilian award in Pakistan bestowed by the president himself. The Pakistan government is also likely to name a proposed university in Islamabad after him.

Pakistan also wants to include stories about Geelani's life in the educational curriculum at the federal and provincial levels across Pakistan. These are the demands of Pakistani lawmakers.

Pakistani lawmakers think he can be an inspiration to the youth.

Meanwhile, 374 kilometres away from Islamabad, attempts are being made to convert a Sikh shrine into a mosque. This is happening in the city of Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan

Reports have emerged that a gurudwara in Lahore has been occupied and declared a mosque by Pakistani extremists. The gurudwara is called Shahidi Asthan and is built at the site where Bhai Taru Ji Singh, a prominent Sikh figure was martyred.&nbsp;

New Delhi has lodged a strong protest with the peak high commission but the Pakistan government is yet to take any concrete steps.

Heavy rains and strong winds have battered Karachi for over a week. The downpour has flooded many areas of the city with low-lying houses have been submerged and traffic movement has been disrupted.

Heavy rains and strong winds have battered Karachi for over a week. The downpour has flooded many areas of the city with low-lying houses have been submerged and traffic movement has been disrupted. The residents of Karachi are struggling to wade through knee-high water. Eight people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents so far. Rescue officials say that most of the deaths occurred due to electrocution... The residents of Karachi are waiting for Islamabad to come up with a flood-relief plan but Islamabad is too busy as it got bigger tasks at hand like rewarding Kashmiri separatists. Islamabad wants to honour Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a Kashmiri separatist and a terror-backer. The Pakistan Senate has unanimously passed a resolution lauding the 'relentless struggle' of Geelani. In the resolution, Pakistani lawmakers have praised Geelani's 'unwavering commitment, dedication, perseverance and leadership' and they have asked the government to confer upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan. The highest civilian award in Pakistan bestowed by the president himself. The Pakistan government is also likely to name a proposed university in Islamabad after him. Pakistan also wants to include stories about Geelani's life in the educational curriculum at the federal and provincial levels across Pakistan. These are the demands of Pakistani lawmakers. Pakistani lawmakers think he can be an inspiration to the youth. Meanwhile, 374 kilometres away from Islamabad, attempts are being made to convert a Sikh shrine into a mosque. This is happening in the city of Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan Reports have emerged that a gurudwara in Lahore has been occupied and declared a mosque by Pakistani extremists. The gurudwara is called Shahidi Asthan and is built at the site where Bhai Taru Ji Singh, a prominent Sikh figure was martyred. New Delhi has lodged a strong protest with the peak high commission but the Pakistan government is yet to take any concrete steps.

As flood ravages Karachi, Pak govt busy in honouring separatist leader Geelani

Islamabad is set to honour Kashmiri Separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani with Pakistan's highest civilian award. Pakistani lawmakers want to build a university in Geelani's name. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the Pak govt should fix its priorities first.

Gravitas: Pakistan wants to honour this Kashmiri separatist | Syed Ali Shah Geelani

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has been rewarded by Pakistan with the nation's highest civilian honour, report media outlets. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardline-separatist-leader-syed-ali-shah-geelani-resigns-from-hurriyat-conference-309383">ALSO READ | Syed Ali Shah Geelani resigns from Hurriyat conference</a> 
 
The Pakistan parliament has passed a resolution conferring the highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan on Kashmiri separatist, Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The senate also proposed a technological institute in his name.

The resolution was moved by the Jamaat-i-Islami, senator, Mustaq Ahmad. Jamaat-e-Islami, or simply known as Jamaat, is an Islamic political party based in Pakistan.

Geelani has been the main separatist leader behind several shutdowns calls, violent protests and the boycott of elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

From months, Geelani has been keeping unwell and since the abrogation of J&amp;K special status, the separatists in the valley have been finding it hard to regain feet. The government of India following the Pulwama terror attack has banned several separatist outfits &amp; put an end to their funding by Pakistan through the Hawala route.

Last month, Geelani had resigned from the All Party Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of secessionist parties and leaders, citing several reasons.

(With inputs from agencies)

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has been rewarded by Pakistan with the nation's highest civilian honour, report media outlets.

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has been rewarded by Pakistan with the nation's highest civilian honour, report media outlets. ALSO READ | Syed Ali Shah Geelani resigns from Hurriyat conference The Pakistan parliament has passed a resolution conferring the highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan on Kashmiri separatist, Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The senate also proposed a technological institute in his name. The resolution was moved by the Jamaat-i-Islami, senator, Mustaq Ahmad. Jamaat-e-Islami, or simply known as Jamaat, is an Islamic political party based in Pakistan. Geelani has been the main separatist leader behind several shutdowns calls, violent protests and the boycott of elections in Jammu and Kashmir. From months, Geelani has been keeping unwell and since the abrogation of J&K special status, the separatists in the valley have been finding it hard to regain feet. The government of India following the Pulwama terror attack has banned several separatist outfits & put an end to their funding by Pakistan through the Hawala route. Last month, Geelani had resigned from the All Party Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of secessionist parties and leaders, citing several reasons. (With inputs from agencies)

Hardline Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani gets Pakistan's highest civilian award

Syed Ali Shah Geelani has quit the Hurriyat Conference. The 90-year-old, who had led the separatist movement in Kashmir Valley since the 1990s, was a lifelong chairman of the Hurriyat. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Syed Ali Shah Geelani quits Hurriyat | Jammu and Kashmir

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has resigned from the All Party Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of secessionist parties and leaders, citing several reasons.

Senior Separatist leader who has been behind several shutdowns calls and for the boycott of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, through an audio message has made this announcement. He has distanced himself from the Hurriyat Conference which elected him as the lifetime chairman in 2003 but hasn’t specified if he will continue with his separatist group called Tehreek-e-Hurriyat or not.

“...looking at the present situation of Hurriyat, I have decided to separate myself from this forum,” Geelani said in an audio statement.

From months, Geelani has been keeping unwell and since the abrogation of J&amp;K special status, the separatists in the valley have been finding it hard to regain feet. The government of India following the Pulwama terror attack has banned several separatist outfits &amp; put an end to their funding by Pakistan through the Hawala route.

In a letter written by the octogenarian separatist, he has also cited bypassing him on several occasions as one of the reasons. This is a big blow to the separatist camp in Jammu and Kashmir who have been trying to fuel violence in the union territory. National Investigation Agency has been investigating the funding of these separatists and several are behind the bars in terror funding cases.

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has resigned from the All Party Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of secessionist parties and leaders, citing several reasons.

The face of separatists in Kashmir for almost three decades, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has resigned from the All Party Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of secessionist parties and leaders, citing several reasons. Senior Separatist leader who has been behind several shutdowns calls and for the boycott of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, through an audio message has made this announcement. He has distanced himself from the Hurriyat Conference which elected him as the lifetime chairman in 2003 but hasn’t specified if he will continue with his separatist group called Tehreek-e-Hurriyat or not. “...looking at the present situation of Hurriyat, I have decided to separate myself from this forum,” Geelani said in an audio statement. From months, Geelani has been keeping unwell and since the abrogation of J&K special status, the separatists in the valley have been finding it hard to regain feet. The government of India following the Pulwama terror attack has banned several separatist outfits & put an end to their funding by Pakistan through the Hawala route. In a letter written by the octogenarian separatist, he has also cited bypassing him on several occasions as one of the reasons. This is a big blow to the separatist camp in Jammu and Kashmir who have been trying to fuel violence in the union territory. National Investigation Agency has been investigating the funding of these separatists and several are behind the bars in terror funding cases.

Hardline Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani resigns from Hurriyat conference

Senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday resigned from All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC).

In a press statement, the senior hardline separatist leader said he was&nbsp;distancing himself completely from the All Party Hurriyat Conference. 
 
"He has written a detailed letter to Hurriyat members in which he said, given the present situation within the Hurriyat Conference, he is completely dissociating himself from the platform", the statement said. 
 
In his detailed letter to the members of the Hurriyat Conference, Geelani has said that henceforth he shall not be answerable in any manner about the future conduct of the constituent members of the platform. 
 
Hurriyat Conference was formed on March 9, 1993 as a united political platform of the separatist parties in Kashmir. 
 
Ten years after its formation, the Hurriyat Conference split into the moderate group headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and the hardline group headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani. 
 
Not keeping good health, Geelani has mostly remained under house arrest in his Srinagar uptown of Hyderpora area residence for the last four years. 
 
Before that also authorities used to detain him on and off under house arrest to maintain law and order in Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday resigned from All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC). In a press statement, the senior hardline separatist leader said he was distancing himself completely from the All Party Hurriyat Conference.

Senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday resigned from All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC). In a press statement, the senior hardline separatist leader said he was distancing himself completely from the All Party Hurriyat Conference. "He has written a detailed letter to Hurriyat members in which he said, given the present situation within the Hurriyat Conference, he is completely dissociating himself from the platform", the statement said. In his detailed letter to the members of the Hurriyat Conference, Geelani has said that henceforth he shall not be answerable in any manner about the future conduct of the constituent members of the platform. Hurriyat Conference was formed on March 9, 1993 as a united political platform of the separatist parties in Kashmir. Ten years after its formation, the Hurriyat Conference split into the moderate group headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and the hardline group headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Not keeping good health, Geelani has mostly remained under house arrest in his Srinagar uptown of Hyderpora area residence for the last four years. Before that also authorities used to detain him on and off under house arrest to maintain law and order in Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

Syed Ali Shah Geelani resigns from All Party Hurriyat Conference

The Income-Tax Department has attached a house of hardline Kashmiri separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani located in Delhi in connection with an over Rs 3.62 crore tax evasion case against him.

The flat is located in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area and the Tax Recovery Officer (TRO) of the department has sealed the house for allegedly "failing" to pay Rs 3,62,62,160 income tax for assessment years 1996-97 to 2001-02, as per an order accessed by PTI.

The department has undertaken the action under section 222 of the I-T Act (assessee deemed in default of tax payment) and it has "prohibited and restrained" the Hurriyat Conference leader from transferring the asset.

The TRO is an enforcement action taking arm of the tax department and it deals with cases of wilful defaulters. The authority is empowered to attach an asset and subsequently auction it to realise the tax dues.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), last month, had levied a penalty of Rs 14.40 lakh on Geelani in a 17-year-old case of illegal possession of USD 10,000 in alleged contravention of the foreign exchange law, officials said Friday.

The Income-Tax Department has attached a house of hardline Kashmiri separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani located in Delhi in connection with an over Rs 3.62 crore tax evasion case against him.

The Income-Tax Department has attached a house of hardline Kashmiri separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani located in Delhi in connection with an over Rs 3.62 crore tax evasion case against him. The flat is located in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area and the Tax Recovery Officer (TRO) of the department has sealed the house for allegedly "failing" to pay Rs 3,62,62,160 income tax for assessment years 1996-97 to 2001-02, as per an order accessed by PTI. The department has undertaken the action under section 222 of the I-T Act (assessee deemed in default of tax payment) and it has "prohibited and restrained" the Hurriyat Conference leader from transferring the asset. The TRO is an enforcement action taking arm of the tax department and it deals with cases of wilful defaulters. The authority is empowered to attach an asset and subsequently auction it to realise the tax dues. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), last month, had levied a penalty of Rs 14.40 lakh on Geelani in a 17-year-old case of illegal possession of USD 10,000 in alleged contravention of the foreign exchange law, officials said Friday.

I-T dept attaches Geelani's Delhi house on wilful tax evasion charges

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has summoned separatist Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Nadeem Geelani, son of another separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for questioning on Monday in Delhi in a terror funding case, officials said.

The move comes amidst the government crackdown on separatist leaders in Kashmir in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.

About a week ago, the NIA carried out searches at seven locations of separatists in the Kashmir valley, including that of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in connection with a terror funding case.

The agency claimed to have recovered several incriminating documents, including letterheads of different terrorist organisations as well as high-end communication systems, during the raid.

“High tech internet communication set up was also recovered from the residence of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq," the premier probe agency for terror crimes had said.

"Teams recovered incriminating documents including property papers, financial transactions receipts and bank account details. Significantly, letterheads of different terrorist organisations, as well as documents relating to recommendations for the visa for admission in Pakistan Educational Institutions, were found," the NIA statement had added.

During the searches, the teams also recovered electronic devices including laptops, e-tablets, mobile phones, pen drives, communication system and DVRs.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has summoned separatist Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Nadeem Geelani, son of another separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for questioning on Monday in Delhi in a terror funding case, officials said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has summoned separatist Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Nadeem Geelani, son of another separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for questioning on Monday in Delhi in a terror funding case, officials said. The move comes amidst the government crackdown on separatist leaders in Kashmir in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. About a week ago, the NIA carried out searches at seven locations of separatists in the Kashmir valley, including that of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in connection with a terror funding case. The agency claimed to have recovered several incriminating documents, including letterheads of different terrorist organisations as well as high-end communication systems, during the raid. “High tech internet communication set up was also recovered from the residence of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq," the premier probe agency for terror crimes had said. "Teams recovered incriminating documents including property papers, financial transactions receipts and bank account details. Significantly, letterheads of different terrorist organisations, as well as documents relating to recommendations for the visa for admission in Pakistan Educational Institutions, were found," the NIA statement had added. During the searches, the teams also recovered electronic devices including laptops, e-tablets, mobile phones, pen drives, communication system and DVRs.

NIA summons Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Geelani's son for questioning

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Shah Geelani were put under house arrest on Saturday as restrictions were imposed in parts of the city following their call to march towards Lal Chowk.

The police reached the Hyderpora residence of Geelani and Naseem Bagh area residence of Farooq and conveyed to them the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir authorities of placing them under house arrest as a precautionary measure, officials said.

"As the authoritarian rulers once again belie any claim to democracy by imposing #HouseArrests #Curfew #Restrictions #Barricades #Blockades closure of educational institutions on the visit of Indian PM to valley, I will peacefully march towards #LalChowk at 11 am," Farooq tweeted this morning.

The separatists had given a call for a march to Lal Chowk, located in the heart of the city, to protest against the alleged violence by security forces in the valley.

During his Friday sermons, Farooq had said that the one-month suspension of anti-militancy operations in the Valley was not enough.&nbsp

He had urged the Centre to revoke draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Public Safety Act besides initiating a dialogue process with Pakistan and the people of Kashmir, especially the separatist groups.

Lal Chowk has been barricaded and all entry points sealed to prevent people from gathering in the area, the officials said.

Tight security measures were placed in the entire city last night in the wake of the prime minister's arrival in Srinagar this afternoon.

Restrictions were imposed in downtown areas and vehicular movement, other than that of tourists, was bare minimum.

The roads wore a deserted look as people preferred to remain indoors.

A three-tier security ring has been thrown around the city ahead of Modi's visit and all roads leading to the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre were blocked for any vehicular movement.

According to the traffic police advisory, all roads leading to the venue would be closed until Sunday afternoon until the prime minister is in the city.&nbsp

The river police wing of state police, the CRPF and the BSF have been deployed in the Dal lake while the Army has been asked to dominate the Zaberwan peak overlooking the venue where Modi would carry out the inaugurate a power project and a ring road around Srinagar.&nbsp

 
&nbsp

Tight security measures were placed in the entire city last night in the wake of the prime minister's arrival in Srinagar this afternoon

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Shah Geelani were put under house arrest on Saturday as restrictions were imposed in parts of the city following their call to march towards Lal Chowk. The police reached the Hyderpora residence of Geelani and Naseem Bagh area residence of Farooq and conveyed to them the decision of the Jammu and Kashmir authorities of placing them under house arrest as a precautionary measure, officials said. "As the authoritarian rulers once again belie any claim to democracy by imposing #HouseArrests #Curfew #Restrictions #Barricades #Blockades closure of educational institutions on the visit of Indian PM to valley, I will peacefully march towards #LalChowk at 11 am," Farooq tweeted this morning. The separatists had given a call for a march to Lal Chowk, located in the heart of the city, to protest against the alleged violence by security forces in the valley. During his Friday sermons, Farooq had said that the one-month suspension of anti-militancy operations in the Valley was not enough. He had urged the Centre to revoke draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Public Safety Act besides initiating a dialogue process with Pakistan and the people of Kashmir, especially the separatist groups. Lal Chowk has been barricaded and all entry points sealed to prevent people from gathering in the area, the officials said. Tight security measures were placed in the entire city last night in the wake of the prime minister's arrival in Srinagar this afternoon. Restrictions were imposed in downtown areas and vehicular movement, other than that of tourists, was bare minimum. The roads wore a deserted look as people preferred to remain indoors. A three-tier security ring has been thrown around the city ahead of Modi's visit and all roads leading to the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre were blocked for any vehicular movement. According to the traffic police advisory, all roads leading to the venue would be closed until Sunday afternoon until the prime minister is in the city. The river police wing of state police, the CRPF and the BSF have been deployed in the Dal lake while the Army has been asked to dominate the Zaberwan peak overlooking the venue where Modi would carry out the inaugurate a power project and a ring road around Srinagar.

Ahead of PM Modi's visit in J&K, separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Syed Ali Shah Geelani put under house arrest

Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai was today elected chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, replacing Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Geelani held the post for 15 years since the party was formed following a split in the Hurriyat Conference in 2003.

Sehrai was elected chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat unanimously at a meeting of its executive committee after Geelani decided to step down.

Addressing the meeting, Geelani said due to his continuous house arrest for the past eight years, he had not been able to practically contribute to the cause, which was an &quot;injustice&quot; not only with the post but his conscience as well.

&quot;So, I wilfully step-down from the chairmanship and advise the &#39;shoora&#39; (council) to arrange an alternative at the earliest,&quot; the hardliner said.

Geelani will, however, continue to head the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference of which Tehreek-e-Hurriyat is a constituent, sources said.

Political observers here believe that Sehrai will ultimately succeed 88-year-old Geelani as the head of the Hurriyat Conference as well.

A spokesman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat said Sehrai has been appointed as interim chairman of the party till organisational elections were held later this year.

Geelani held the post for 15 years since the party was formed

Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai was today elected chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, replacing Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Geelani held the post for 15 years since the party was formed following a split in the Hurriyat Conference in 2003. Sehrai was elected chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat unanimously at a meeting of its executive committee after Geelani decided to step down. Addressing the meeting, Geelani said due to his continuous house arrest for the past eight years, he had not been able to practically contribute to the cause, which was an "injustice" not only with the post but his conscience as well. "So, I wilfully step-down from the chairmanship and advise the 'shoora' (council) to arrange an alternative at the earliest," the hardliner said. Geelani will, however, continue to head the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference of which Tehreek-e-Hurriyat is a constituent, sources said. Political observers here believe that Sehrai will ultimately succeed 88-year-old Geelani as the head of the Hurriyat Conference as well. A spokesman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat said Sehrai has been appointed as interim chairman of the party till organisational elections were held later this year.

Ashraf Sehrai replaces Geelani as Tehreek-e-Hurriyat chairman

Geelani&#39;s second son has been summoned to Delhi by the National Investigation Agency, ANI reported quoting NIA sources.&nbsp;

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NIA has summoned SAS Geelani&#39;s second son to Delhi in terror funding case: NIA sources
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/891883065940647936">July 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Geelani&#39;s son has been summoned for questioning in the terror-funding case.&nbsp;

Geelani&#39;s eldest son Nayeem was also summoned to Delhi by the NIA but he was taken to hospital in Srinagar on Sunday complaining of chest pains.&nbsp;

The NIA has already arrested Geelani&#39;s son-in-law, Altaf Ahmad Shah aka Funtoosh.&nbsp;

Seven separatist leaders -- including Geelani&#39;s son in law -- were arrested on July 23.&nbsp;

The FIR filed by the NIA accuses them of using money sent from Pakistan to fund violence in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Hindustan Times meanwhile reported the Hurriyat as saying it would take legal action against the NIA the media for the character assassination of its leaders and their family members.&nbsp;

The NIA has already arrested Geelani's son-in-law, Altaf Ahmad Shah aka Funtoosh

Geelani's second son has been summoned to Delhi by the National Investigation Agency, ANI reported quoting NIA sources. NIA has summoned SAS Geelani's second son to Delhi in terror funding case: NIA sources — ANI (@ANI_news) July 31, 2017 × Geelani's son has been summoned for questioning in the terror-funding case. Geelani's eldest son Nayeem was also summoned to Delhi by the NIA but he was taken to hospital in Srinagar on Sunday complaining of chest pains. The NIA has already arrested Geelani's son-in-law, Altaf Ahmad Shah aka Funtoosh. Seven separatist leaders -- including Geelani's son in law -- were arrested on July 23. The FIR filed by the NIA accuses them of using money sent from Pakistan to fund violence in Kashmir. The Hindustan Times meanwhile reported the Hurriyat as saying it would take legal action against the NIA the media for the character assassination of its leaders and their family members.

Terror-funding case: Geelani's second son summoned by NIA, say sources

Seven separatist leaders have been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a case related to terror funding, ANI reported.

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NIA arrests seven seperatist leaders in terror funding case <a href="https://t.co/Pi7isZLwFI">pic.twitter.com/Pi7isZLwFI</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/889405021707657216">July 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Those who have been arrested include Nayeem Khan, Bitta Karate, Altaf Funtoosh and Shahid-ul-Islam.

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Bitta Karate arrested in Del;Naeem Khan,Altaf Funtus,Ayaz 
Akbar,Pir Saifulla,Merazuddin Kalwal&amp;SU Islam being brought to Delhi frm Srinagar
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/889408564925652992">July 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Altaf Funtoosh is the son-in-law of Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani.&nbsp;

The NIA had conducted searches across the national capital and Kashmir in relation to the case of terror funding last month.

The NIA had questioned Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba in terror funding case last month.

Nayeem Khan was suspended by Geelani from Hurriyat after he confessed to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups in a sting operation, a PTI report had said.

In a preliminary inquiry, the NIA had alleged that separatists received funding from Hafiz Sayeed-led Lashkar-e-Taiba to carry out subversive activities in Kashmir.

The NIA had conducted searches at the residences of several prominent separatists last month in Kashmir and the national capital

Seven separatist leaders have been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a case related to terror funding, ANI reported. NIA arrests seven seperatist leaders in terror funding case pic.twitter.com/Pi7isZLwFI — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017 × Those who have been arrested include Nayeem Khan, Bitta Karate, Altaf Funtoosh and Shahid-ul-Islam. Bitta Karate arrested in Del;Naeem Khan,Altaf Funtus,Ayaz Akbar,Pir Saifulla,Merazuddin Kalwal&SU Islam being brought to Delhi frm Srinagar — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2017 × Altaf Funtoosh is the son-in-law of Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The NIA had conducted searches across the national capital and Kashmir in relation to the case of terror funding last month. The NIA had questioned Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba in terror funding case last month. Nayeem Khan was suspended by Geelani from Hurriyat after he confessed to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups in a sting operation, a PTI report had said. In a preliminary inquiry, the NIA had alleged that separatists received funding from Hafiz Sayeed-led Lashkar-e-Taiba to carry out subversive activities in Kashmir.

NIA arrests seven Hurriyat separatists in Kashmir in terror funding case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday&nbsp;quizzed three Kashmiri separatists in connection with its probe into the role of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in subversive activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The NIA team, headed by the Additional Director General, had asked Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba to appear before it over an expose on a television channel where they had claimed they received&nbsp;funds from Pakistan.

After their&nbsp;initial reluctance, the three separatists fell in line and were questioned separately on Friday by the team of NIA, which named them in its Preliminary Enquiry (PE), which precedes the filing of a case.

Besides the three separatists, the NIA has also named Hafiz Saeed and Syed Geelani in the preliminary enquiry.

Nayeem Khan, who was suspended by Geelani from Hurriyat today, had purportedly confessed&nbsp;to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups in a sting operation on television.

He later held a press conference,&nbsp;claiming&nbsp;the video was &quot;doctored&quot; and challenged that the&nbsp;channel&nbsp;run his full video instead.

&quot;The video is doctored, simulated and a collage of bits and pieces. It does not have a shred of credibility. The agenda of Indian media is to defame the Kashmir struggle and pro-freedom leadership,&quot; he said.

Geelani suspended Nayeem Khan&#39;s National Front from the basic membership of the Hurriyat Conference until the clarification of all the related issues comes to fore and the truth comes out, a spokesman for the hardline leader said.

The NIA took cognisance of the news item related to a recording of conversations between a TV reporter and leaders of separatist groups operating in the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

In its preliminary enquiry, the NIA&nbsp;alleged that the separatists were receiving funds from LeT chief&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed to carry out subversive activities in Kashmir, including pelting security forces with stones, damaging public property and burning schools and other government establishments.

The NIA team will gather evidence collected by the Jammu and Kashmir Police about the burning of schools as Khan had claimed that the educational institutions were targeted as per the plans hatched from across the border.

&nbsp;The schools were targeted last year after banned Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

(PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Nayeem Khan, who was suspended from the Hurriyat by Geelani, confessed?to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups in a sting operation on TV

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday quizzed three Kashmiri separatists in connection with its probe into the role of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in subversive activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA team, headed by the Additional Director General, had asked Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate and Gazi Javed Baba to appear before it over an expose on a television channel where they had claimed they received funds from Pakistan. After their initial reluctance, the three separatists fell in line and were questioned separately on Friday by the team of NIA, which named them in its Preliminary Enquiry (PE), which precedes the filing of a case. Besides the three separatists, the NIA has also named Hafiz Saeed and Syed Geelani in the preliminary enquiry. Nayeem Khan, who was suspended by Geelani from Hurriyat today, had purportedly confessed to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups in a sting operation on television. He later held a press conference, claiming the video was "doctored" and challenged that the channel run his full video instead. "The video is doctored, simulated and a collage of bits and pieces. It does not have a shred of credibility. The agenda of Indian media is to defame the Kashmir struggle and pro-freedom leadership," he said. Geelani suspended Nayeem Khan's National Front from the basic membership of the Hurriyat Conference until the clarification of all the related issues comes to fore and the truth comes out, a spokesman for the hardline leader said. The NIA took cognisance of the news item related to a recording of conversations between a TV reporter and leaders of separatist groups operating in the Kashmir Valley. In its preliminary enquiry, the NIA alleged that the separatists were receiving funds from LeT chief Hafiz Saeed to carry out subversive activities in Kashmir, including pelting security forces with stones, damaging public property and burning schools and other government establishments. The NIA team will gather evidence collected by the Jammu and Kashmir Police about the burning of schools as Khan had claimed that the educational institutions were targeted as per the plans hatched from across the border. The schools were targeted last year after banned Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8. (PTI)

NIA quizzes Kashmir separatist leaders over alleged funding from LeT

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman, was barred from holding press conference today in the capital city of Kashmir Valley in India.&nbsp; 
 
According to local media reports, the journalists who had reached the residence of Kashmir&#39;s key separatist leader were forced to leave the Hyderpora area of Srinagar city where the residence is located after police foiled the press conference.&nbsp; 
 
The separatist leader had called a presser at his residence where he has been under house arrest for the past three days, according to media reports as unrest in the Valley continues after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier on Wednesday, Geelani said talks with New Delhi are bound to fail till the &quot;gravity and intensity of the Kashmir issue is agreed upon.&#39;&#39; 
 
&quot;We have a clear and simple stand that unless the gravity and intensity of the Kashmir issue is not agreed upon, any negotiations or talks are bound to fail. People have met, had photo shoot, then a cup of tea for so many decades but our bloodshed did not stop,&quot; he had said. &nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, curfew was reimposed in many parts of Kashmir for maintaining law and order ahead of Friday prayers as normal life remained paralysed for 63rd consecutive day.&nbsp;At least 76 people have been killed and over 11,000 injured in the worst unrest in the valley after 2010 violence. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Geelani had earlier said that talks with New Delhi are bound to fail till the 'gravity and intensity of the Kashmir issue is agreed upon'

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman, was barred from holding press conference today in the capital city of Kashmir Valley in India. According to local media reports, the journalists who had reached the residence of Kashmir's key separatist leader were forced to leave the Hyderpora area of Srinagar city where the residence is located after police foiled the press conference. The separatist leader had called a presser at his residence where he has been under house arrest for the past three days, according to media reports as unrest in the Valley continues after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Earlier on Wednesday, Geelani said talks with New Delhi are bound to fail till the "gravity and intensity of the Kashmir issue is agreed upon.'' "We have a clear and simple stand that unless the gravity and intensity of the Kashmir issue is not agreed upon, any negotiations or talks are bound to fail. People have met, had photo shoot, then a cup of tea for so many decades but our bloodshed did not stop," he had said. Meanwhile, curfew was reimposed in many parts of Kashmir for maintaining law and order ahead of Friday prayers as normal life remained paralysed for 63rd consecutive day. At least 76 people have been killed and over 11,000 injured in the worst unrest in the valley after 2010 violence. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Hardline leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani barred from holding press conference in Kashmir?

Hardline Hurriyat Conference&nbsp;leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today detained as he tried to defy house arrest to march towards the headquarters of the Army at Badamibagh in Jammu and Kashmir in India as part of the proposed protest programme of the separatists. 
 
He was taken into preventive custody outside his Hyderpora residence this afternoon, a police official said. 
 
The Hurriyat hawk was taken to Humhama police station and lodged there, he said. 
 
Geelani was on his way to Badamibagh to hand over a letter to the General officer Commanding of the Army asking the forces to &quot;vacate Jammu and Kashmir&quot;. 
 
Yesterday, chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who tried to take out a march along with his supporters from his Nigeen residence, was also taken into custody and later shifted to Chashma Shahi guest house. 
 
The separatist camp, including both factions of the Hurriyat and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, has been issuing protest calendars after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani on July 8, and urging people to follow its proposed programme. 
 
So far 68 people have died in clashes between protestors and security forces as Kashmir continues to remain in the grip of shutdowns and curfew for the 49th consecutive day.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

Geelani had defied house arrest, had wanted to hand over a letter to the Army GoC asking the forces to 'vacate Jammu and Kashmir'

Hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today detained as he tried to defy house arrest to march towards the headquarters of the Army at Badamibagh in Jammu and Kashmir in India as part of the proposed protest programme of the separatists. He was taken into preventive custody outside his Hyderpora residence this afternoon, a police official said. The Hurriyat hawk was taken to Humhama police station and lodged there, he said. Geelani was on his way to Badamibagh to hand over a letter to the General officer Commanding of the Army asking the forces to "vacate Jammu and Kashmir". Yesterday, chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who tried to take out a march along with his supporters from his Nigeen residence, was also taken into custody and later shifted to Chashma Shahi guest house. The separatist camp, including both factions of the Hurriyat and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, has been issuing protest calendars after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani on July 8, and urging people to follow its proposed programme. So far 68 people have died in clashes between protestors and security forces as Kashmir continues to remain in the grip of shutdowns and curfew for the 49th consecutive day. (PTI)

Hurriyat leader Geelani detained as he marches to Army HQ

Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today detained by police after he tried to defy restrictions and march to Martyrs&#39; graveyard in downtown Srinagar in India&#39;s northern state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. 
 
Hurriyat conference chairman,&nbsp;Geelani, who was under house arrest, was detained on the airport road outside his residence in uptown Hyderpora after he defied restrictions and tried to take out a march to commemorate the 85th anniversary of those who laid down their lives fighting the aristocratic rule in the state in 1931. 
 
Geelani was detained by the police outside his residence as he tried to defy restrictions, a police official said. 
 
He said some other leaders of the Hurriyat were also detained by the police. 
 
(PTI)

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of the Hurriyat conference, tried to take out a march to Martyrs graveyard in downtown Srinagar

Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today detained by police after he tried to defy restrictions and march to Martyrs' graveyard in downtown Srinagar in India's northern state of Jammu & Kashmir. Hurriyat conference chairman, Geelani, who was under house arrest, was detained on the airport road outside his residence in uptown Hyderpora after he defied restrictions and tried to take out a march to commemorate the 85th anniversary of those who laid down their lives fighting the aristocratic rule in the state in 1931. Geelani was detained by the police outside his residence as he tried to defy restrictions, a police official said. He said some other leaders of the Hurriyat were also detained by the police. (PTI)

Kashmiri separatist leader under house arrest defies restrictions, detained

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