Govt withdraws security of six separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Farooq

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government, on Sunday, issued orders to withdraw security provided to six separatist leaders, including Hurriyat's Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, by Sunday evening, said officials.

Besides the Mirwaiz, the security cover for Abdul Gani Bhat, Fazal Haq Qureshi, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah has also been withdrawn, however, there is no mention of pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani in the order.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Srinagar on Friday, had mentioned that security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its terrorist agency ISI should be reviewed.

“Some elements in Jammu and Kashmir have links with the ISI and terrorist organisations. Their security should be reviewed,” BJP senior leader had said after reviewing security Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The officials told that no security cover will be provided and vehicles provided to the separatists will stand withdrawn . No s under any pretext, to them or any other separatists. If they have any other facilities provided by the government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith.

The Police has also been ordered to review if there are any other separatists who have security or facilities which will be withdrawn immediately.

Nearly forty-five CRPF personnel were killed and several injured, on Thursday, in one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir where a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near their convoy of 78 vehicles in Pulwama district.