BJP-PDP rift widens over Syed Ali Geelani passport issue; Separatist Leader asked to apologize

Jammu : BJP’s denial to give Indian passport to Syed Ali Geelani, the chairman of Hurriyat faction in Jammu and Kashmir has created a rift between ruling coalition — BJP and PDP — in Jammu and Kashmir. The issue worsened after BJP openly denied passport to Geelani, who wanted to visit his ailing daughter Farhat Jabeen Geelani, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.BJP also sought apology from the Separatist leader for his anti-India activities. BJP Spokesperson, Khalid Jehangir reportedly told the media that passport cannot be given to Geelani until he apologises for the mistakes committed by him in the past 25 years. He further said, ” Passports are issued to Indian citizens and not the ones who don’t believe in India and its democracy. If Geelani Sahib wants the passport, then has to fall in the line and follow law of the land,” BJP spokesman Khalid Jehangir was quoted as saying.Jehangir further said Geelani will be issued Indian passport only if he acknowledges that he will stay away from anti-India activities. A BJP spokeperson was quoted saying, “The Government of India cannot give a passport to a person who spews venom against the country where he lives and enjoys all the comforts” Talking about the issue PDP leader, Mehboob Beig said, “This is a human issue where SAS Geelani wants to see his daughter, my party has no issues in this.” He also said that they have been debating over this for last 3-4 days and stated that a non issue is being made an issue.