Demand for sedition case attempt to divert issue: SAR Geelani

The demand for registration of sedition case against hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, writer Arundhati Roy and others for their remarks on Kashmir was an attempt to divert attention from the real issue, Delhi University professor SAR Geelani claimed today

The demand for registration of sedition case against hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, writer Arundhati Roy and others for their remarks on Kashmir was an attempt to divert attention from the real issue, Delhi University professor SAR Geelani claimed on Sunday.

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"It is the result of ignorance about the Kashmir issue and such people are trying to divert the attention from the real issue," Geelani, who was acquitted in the 2001 Parliament attack case, said at a press conference here with Naxal sympathiser Varavara Rao.

Besides the Hurriyat leader and Roy, a Delhi court had yesterday ordered registration of FIR against S A R Geelani and four others following a petition alleging that they had made anti-India speeches at a conference in Delhi on October 21.

"If people know about the reality of Kashmir issue, then nobody would ask for sedition cases to be framed on those who are asking for self-determination," the DU teacher said.

Asked if they would approach any higher court, Geelani said, "That stage has not come. First Delhi Police has to file an FIR. We will wait and see what happens till January 6. We are all together on the matter and in due course we will take further action."

Reacting to another query, Geelani said there was nothing new to be expected from interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir.