'Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit working at ISI's behest'

Jammu: Describing the meeting between Abdul Basit and Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in the national capital as a 'conspiracy', the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday alleged that Pakistan's High Commissioner is working at the behest of the ISI.

Expressing his disappointment over the meeting, BJP leader Ravinder Raina said the Pakistan High Commission's office in Delhi is gradually becoming a den of 'anti-national' activities.

"Pakistan has been exposed due to the deposition of Headley. Whatever the ISI wants, only that happens in Pakistan. Somewhere, even Basit is working at the behest of the ISI. We won't tolerate this. I see a conspiracy behind this meeting. This is ridiculous and unacceptable. I will request the Centre to take stern action," Raina told ANI.

"The meeting is unfortunate. Everyone knows the role of Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Jammu for the last 25-30 years. He is an agent of Pakistan. He is responsible for many murders and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

Raina also alleged that even Basit's credentials are not right, adding that the office of the Pakistan High Commission should be shut without any further delay.

"It is our appeal to the Central Government to probe this and take strict action.

The Pakistan High Commissioner has nothing to do in India. His office should be shut. Pakistan has become a den of terrorists. We should make a policy to destroy the terrorist organisations in Pakistan," he added.

The Pakistani envoy earlier in the day called on Geelani to inquire about his health and also discussed the issue of Kashmir.

During the meeting, Geelani extended his appreciation towards Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's statement on account of Kashmir solidarity day.

Geelani alleged that India was trying hard to 'suppress' the voices of the people of Kashmir.

Basit assured him that Pakistan would continue to extend 'moral, political and diplomatic support' to the people of Kashmir.

The High Commissioner also expressed hope that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute would be settled between Pakistan and India through a dialogue in accordance with the aspirations of the people of the state.

India had earlier called off the Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan twice over Basit's meetings with the separatists.