Omar Abdullah bats for grant of passports to kin of militants in J&K

JAMMU: Batting for grant of passports to the kin of militants in Jammu and Kashmir, chief minister Omar Abdullah has said that when separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq are allowed to go abroad then why not the relatives of militants.
“When separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq can get passport to visit outside the country, why not the kin of militants,” Omar told the Legislative Council while winding up a debate on the motion of thanks on the governor’s address last evening.
“I have told CID officials to facilitate grant of the passports to the kin of militants,” Omar said, adding, “I am categorical on the issue that nobody should suffer for the actions of others.”
“I have asked the CID department not to punish any for the misdeeds done by their relatives,” he said.
On revocation of AFSPA and Disturbed Areas Act (DAA), the Chief Minister said that he has constituted two Committees to look into the subject.
“I am in favour of removing those areas from the ambit of DAA where the situation has improved and there is no requirement of AFSPA. If situation remains peaceful the Government will remove many areas out of DAA list this year,” he said.
Omar further said 40 bunkers have been removed from Srinagar besides reducing the number of two battalions of CRPF.
“We are also working for reducing the number of Army personnel from the civil areas,” he said, adding that if the militancy remained under control, there will be withdrawal of DAA and AFSPA from various parts of state this year.
On the issue of arrests of youths, Omar Abdullah said that the main opposition party has made it a trait to make false statements both in the House and outside.
“During the summer unrest, 4,064 persons had been arrested for stone pelting and other law and order disturbing actions. Of these, 3,900 have been released and they are free doing their business,” he said.