Separatists are in touch with ultras from across LoC: Government in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Confirming the collusion between Kashmiri separatists and Pakistan-sponsored "disruptive" elements, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that some key separatist leaders were reported to be in touch with terrorist leaders based across the border and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and were allegedly receiving directions and funding from the Pakistani establishment to foment trouble in the valley.

"Inputs indicate existence of nexus/collusion of disrupting elements sponsored by neighbouring country and separatists in Kashmir. Necessary action is taken against such elements in accordance with the provisions of law," minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir said in reply to a question in the lower House.

He said it had been noted that some key separatist leaders were in touch with militant leaders based in Pakistan and PoK. "They are also believed to be receiving instructions and financial support from Pakistani establishment for such adverse activities," he told the MPs.

On a query if some separatist leaders were being provided facilities, including security at the central government's expense, Ahir said any security cover to such leaders was provided by the J&K government based on security categorisation decided by the State Security Review Coordination Committee. Such security included personal guards, static guards and vehicles.

According to intelligence inputs, local separatist leaders had played a key role in instigating protests in south Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July. Ahir's reply in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday seemed to suggest that Pakistan-based elements may have driven the separatist leaders to create unrest.