New Delhi: The External Affairs Ministry is considering a report of the Home Ministry
on the alleged involvement of Pakistan High Commission in funding separatist movement
in Jammu and Kashmir that came to light following the arrest of two Hurriyat
activists in New Delhi.
"We have received reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs and these are being given
full and detailed considerations," a spokesman of External Affairs Ministry
said.
Asked about the Pakistan High Commission's denial of the charge, he said, "We are not
surprised. These are only to be expected. After all, Pakistan has been denying its
proven
sponsorship of cross-border terrorism for the last 18 years."
Delhi Police on February 6 arrested the two Hurriyat leaders, including its
Delhi-based spokesman Shabir Ahmed Dar, for allegedly receiving funds from Pakistan
High Commission.
The second arrested person Anjum Zamrooda Habib, leader of Muslim Khawateen Markaz,
a constituent of Hurriyat Conference, revealed during interrogation that she had
received the money from Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Jaleel Abbas Gilani and
was referred to him by Hurriyat Chairman Abdul Gani Bhat and Dar.
She revealed that Dar was also frequenting Pakistan High Commission for receiving
money for a militant outfit in the state, police said.
A Pakistan High Commission press release said the mission had lodged a strong protest
with the External Affairs Ministry for what it called an "uncalled for and lamentable
propaganda campaign". The release said the incident would further vitiate the already
tense Indo-Pak relations.
PTI
