BJP demands thorough probe into visa recommendation issue

BJP on Friday said the "shocking" incident of Hurriyat leader SAR Geelani recommending the visa applications of a LeT terrorist arrested for plotting an attack here and alleged that such incidents have taken place due to the weak policies of the UPA government.

"This incident of Geelani recommending the visa applications of none other than a terrorist plotting an attack in Delhi is absolutely shocking. It is a reflection of the weak policies of the UPA government," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.

He demanded a thorough probe into the matter and sought an explanation from the government on the issue.

"This government also holds discussions with people like Geelani.... It should be tough on this matter. This is a case simply of abetment of terrorism," Javadekar said.

The BJP sought to know why these links are not being investigated.

"It should also be looked into as to how many cases involving Geelani have been investigated so far," Javadekar said.

Official sources said a copy of the recommendation letter given by Geelani for getting a Pakistan visa was found in the papers seized from 24-year old Athesham Malik, arrested by the Delhi Police.

A spokesperson for Geelani, Ayaz Akbar, said, "We don't know about this case. But generally, if any Kashmiri comes to Geelani sahab for recommendation, he gives his recommendation only because they being Kashmiri. But then how can he know why he wants to go there and what his motive is"?