Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has claimed that he was under detention and cannot complete the formalities required for issuing a passport.
"Geelani Sahib's residence has been cordoned off. He was not allowed to go for prayers on Friday, how will he go to complete the formalities for passport?,'' said Hurriyat (Geelani) spokesman Ayaz Akbar.
According to Akbar, the separatist leader has deposited the fee for his application, but he cannot go for biometrics.
"We completely refute the claims that Geelani Sahib is a free man,'' he added.
The Centre had on Friday said, "The passport application of hardline Hurriyat leader can be considered only after he completes the formalities.''
Geelaani wants to visit his daughter who has suffered a paralytic attack in Dubai.
Earlier, home minister Rajnath Singh had said that the government would consider Geelani's application "after due formalities are completed."
"We will think over it... We have no objections," home minister had said while speaking to media on Friday.The external affairs ministry had earlier said that the passport application of Geelani cannot be processed in its present form as it was incomplete as he has not yet submitted passport fees, biometric details, and photographs.
The passport officials in Srinagar, however, refused to comment on the status of the passport application.
The passport officials in Srinagar, however, refused to comment on the status of the passport application.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir police have, however, denied that Geelani was under house detention.