Hurriyat leaders given 'Z' category security

Following threats from various militant outfits, the Centre has decided to give 'Z' category security to all Hurriyat leaders, official sources said in Delhi.

The threats came after the Hurriyat decided to talk to the Centre about the Kashmir issue.

While all leaders have accepted the security cover, former Hurriyat chairman Abdul Gani Bhat is still reluctant to accept the bullet-proof car. He has earlier been given a personal security officer and a static guard at his residence.

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The security for the present chairman Maulana Abbas Ansari had also been increased after he began receiving threatening calls from various militant outfits, including the pro-Pakistan Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen.

The Lone brothers -- Bilal and Sajjad -- had been put under a tight security cover following the assassination of their father, Abdul Gani Lone, in 2002. However, after the new developments, the static guard strength at their residence had been increased.

Former Hurriyat chairman, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, who is the religious head of the Kashmir valley, already enjoys 'Z' category security cover.

Some of Hurriyat leaders are expected to visit Delhi to hold talks with the Centre, the sources said.