Passports not denied to militants' relatives: CID

The Jammu and Kashmir Police CID, which is responsible for certifying the antecedents of passport aspirants, said Monday under the state government's new policy, nobody is being denied a passport because a family member or relative is found to be involved in militancy.

The clarification came after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on the passport application of local girl Sufeera Jan, after reports in a section of media said she had been denied because of her uncle's involvement in militancy.

"I have asked CID to look into the passport case of Sufaira. Will revert with the facts once I have them," Abdullah posted on his Twitter site Monday.

The chief minister tweeted later: "Needless to say she will NOT be denied a passport because of her uncle's past. All such pending cases of previous denials are being cleared."

A CID spokesman later said that the news carried in a section of media incorrectly reported today that Sufeera, daughter of Nazir Ahmed Ganaie, resident of Beerwa (Badgam) has been denied a passport due to an adverse report from the CID.

The spokesman said that in the case of Sufeera, the CID reports are clear and favour her for the issuance of the passport. Documents relating to her clearance are under process and are being sent to the passport officer, he said.

The spokesman clarified that the issuance of passports and the verifications thereof, being of public interest and importance, are being given top priority.

A number of cases which were earlier sent as 'Not recommended' prior to the announcement of the new guidelines by the state government, are being reviewed and clearances are being issued after due diligence, he added.

The spokesman said that for facilitating fast track disposal of the pending verifications, CID headquarters has been holding public hearing on every Thursday where a number of applicants seek clearances especially for Haj and admissions in foreign countries.

Till 2009, passports were denied even if any relative or family member of the applicant was found involved in militant violence.