Geelani was never under ‘siege’: DGP

Srinagar: The Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad today said that Syed Ali Geelani was never under ‘siege’ which was lifted by police as has been projected by Hurriyat Conference (G). Prasad, said Geelani is free to go anywhere, anytime and to do any political activity as long as it is within the bounds of law.

“Police never imposes restrictions willfully. We are bound by law and if you want to change law, you should have majority in assembly and for that you need to contest elections. Geelani was never under house confinement, it is only being exaggerated,” the DGP added.

Asked about speculations that Geelani’s house confinement was over only because some political parties want him out to propagate poll boycott before the coming Parliamentary and Assembly elections, Prasad observed: “Geelani had called for poll boycott before Panchayat elections as well but what happened? People came out to vote in record numbers. Over 80 per cent poll percentage in Panchayat elections is unique in the entire world. This is what happens to his poll boycott calls. These are mere speculations.”

Prasad said that police hardly bothers about Geelani’s programmes as long as these are peaceful. “We are hardly concerned about his programmes or calendars. May be, he is scheduled to go Delhi to pass this winter.”

The DGP said that the police is compelled to impose certain restrictions only to maintain law and order and people who are hell bent to break that order, cannot be left untouched. “See the freedom of speech, and other things enshrined in the constitution is subjected to reasonable restrictions defined by the law itself. You cannot take the law of land at a ride and do whatever you want to do. But you are also free to roam, go anywhere, talk and do anything unless it is within the confines of law,” the DGP told Kashmir News Service.

Meanwhile, asked about the infiltration attempts and the present security scenario, Prasad said: “There is a mounting pressure from across the borders on terrorists to intrude into this side to show their presence. But we are also prepared to tackle any eventuality. Our focus presently is how to minimize the causalities of our men.”

On plans to beef up security cover of the VVIPs, in view of the coming elections, the DGP said: “As the Darbar will open in Jammu, first thing we will do is to convene a security review meeting to examine all these things.”

The DGP when asked about any action taken in Bank looting case of Pulwama said: “I was in Delhi, will have to look into the matter.”