Geelani leaves for Delhi, Omar offers prayers in Jamia masjid

Srinagar: Friday prayers passed off peacefully in the Kashmir valley today where moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq offered prayers in the historic Jamia masjid after his return from abroad.
Breakaway Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani left for Delhi and was taken in a police jeep from his house to airport this afternoon.
The prayers in all mosques and other religious places, including Hazratbal shrine and Jamia masjid, passed off peacefully. Thousands people joined the prayers at the shrine of Peer Dastigir Sahib at Khanyar and Saraibala after celebrating Urs of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani yesterday.
A breakway Hurriyat spokesman said Mr Geelani has been remained under house arrest since March 3, the day he returned from Delhi where he was questioned by police in connection with the arrest of three people, including his close associate Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, in a hawala money case.
He said security forces and state police personnel remained deployed outside his Hyderpora residence. He was again informed today that he could not leave till further orders.
Mr Geelani informed the police that he has to attend “India Today” conclave at New Delhi tomorrow so he may be allowed to go.
After getting clearance from higher authorities, he was taken in a police vehicle from his house to airport, the spokesman said.
He said Mr Geelani was accompanied by senior Hurriyat leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan and spokesman Aiyaz Akbar.
Addressing a Friday congregation here, Mirwaiz Farooq informed the people about his meeting with leaders of different countries during his month-long visit to Geneva, London and Washington.
He said European and other countries had now admitted that Kashmir was an issue which needs an immediate settlement.
He said the countries, including from West Asia have supported their demand for right to self determination. They were also concerned over the human rights violations in the valley.