US denies visa to Geelani, but Azad wants to talk to him

SRINAGAR: Chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said the government would invite Syed Ali Shah Geelani for talks after he recovers. Speaking to a public meeting in south Kashmir Kulgam, Azad prayed for his speedy recovery. Geelani was operated for tumour in his only kidney at the Tata Institute. He was hoping to go the US for treatment but his son was invited by the US consulate in Mumbai and conveyed the US state department’s decision that his father cannot get a visa as he has been a supporter of violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

Though his doctors suggested him to go to Cleveland for laser treatment and the government had issued him a passport on humanitarian grounds, the family gave up the idea of sending Geelani to US last week when its Delhi embassy informed them that the only authority to grant ailing separatist a visa was state department. This was conveyed after Geelani’s hour-long interview by embassy officials. Though there were certain offers, the family decided to go with the Tata Institute where Geelani’s kidney was removed in 2003.

Family sources said Geelani is stable and will take some time more before he is discharged. He was admitted to the hospital on March 21 and was treated well after chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad intervened and talked to Maharashtra chief minister and health minister. Now Ghulam Nabi Azad announced that he would be extending an invitation to him for talks after he recovers fully.