Security cover granted to five separatist leaders in Kashmir has been withdrawn by the government. The separatists whose security has been withdrawn are Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Shah, Hashim Qureshi, Bilal Lone and Abdul Ghani Bhat, PTI reported. The cover was withdrawn following a terrorist attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama on February 14, killing 40 soldiers. Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The decision to remove security cover was taken at a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Saturday. On Friday, Singh had said that security provided to such people who take money from Pakistan and ISI, should be reviewed.