Authorities foil Geelani’s press conference

Srinagar: A press conference called by senior separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani on Sunday was not allowed to be held by the authorities, said a spokesman of his Hurriyat faction.

Geelani had called a press conference at his uptown Hyderpora residence where the octogenarian separatist leader has been placed under house arrest, but police did not allow any media person to enter Geelani’s residence, the spokesman said.

The press conference had been called to counter “the false and baseless propaganda by NIA (National Investigation Agency) and Indian media against Geelani, his family and party leaders,” said the spokesman, adding that Geelani is exploring ways and means to take legal action against the NIA and the media for maligning his image and that of his family members and party leaders.

—PTI