Srinagar: In an attempt to moderate the extremist voices in Hurriyat Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami has removed its firebrand leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani from the executive body of the separatist amalgam.

Shiekh Ali Mohammad, who took up the Jamaat position in the executive of Hurriyat following Geelani's arrest last year, will be permanent representative of the party, highly-placed sources inside the 25-party conglomerate said.

Jamaat-e-Islami Chief G M Bhat has recently sent a letter to Hurriyat Chairman Abdul Gani Bhat, informing him about the party's decision to replace Geelani on the executive council, the sources said.

They said the move was aimed at marginalising the hawkish leader in view of the latest thaw in Indo-Pak relations and avoiding a confrontation with the People's Conference representative in the Hurriyat, Bilal Gani Lone.

Geelani and People's Conference have been trading charges and counter-charges without naming each other since the Jamaat leader was released from a Ranchi jail earlier this year.

While Geelani has accused Bilal and his younger brother Sajjad of a sell-out, the sons of late Abdul Gani Lone claim that the Jamaat leader was out of touch with ground realities.

However, the Jamaat Chairman said the decision to replace Geelani was owing to his health condition and there was nothing more to be read in between the lines.

He said the arrangement was temporary and Geelani would resume his duties within the Hurriyat as and when his health permitted him.

PTI