Syed Ali Geelani gets Indian passport on ‘humanitarian’ grounds

Jammu: The Ministry of Home Affair (MHA) has finally issued passport to Syed Ali Geelani to visit his ailing daughter in Farhat Jabeen Geelani, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The issuance of passport to Geelani had created a rift between the ruling BJP-PDP government in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP had openly denied passport to Geelani saying that the Separatist Leader should apologize for his anti-Indian activities after which they would consider his issue.However, they BJP today issued passport to him on the basis on humanitarian grounds. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State of Home Affairs, said, “Law is clear on the provisions to be made on humanitarian grounds.” He also added saying that Geelani will have to go through similar clearance procedure like any citizens and no special provisions will be made.BJP Spokesperson, Khalid Jehangir had earlier said that passport cannot be given to Geelani until he apologises for his mistakes in the past 25 years. Singh had yesterday 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.”