Srinagar, June 12: Police Saturday arrested Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani from his residence.
A police team headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Bashir Khan detained Geelani from his Hyderpora residence and took him to Humhama police station at around 7.15 am, official sources said.
The step was taken as a precautionary measure in view of apprehension of breach of peace during a special prayer meeting convened by Geelani at Hazratbal shrine later today, they said.
A Hurriyat spokesman condemned the police action saying “government is resorting to cheap tactics and arrest our leaders on flimsy grounds”.
“Geelani was leaving for Sopur to attend funeral of his close friend Muhammad Akbar Bisati, who passed away this morning. Geelani pleaded that he be allowed to attend the funeral of Bisati in police custody but they refused and took him to the police station,” the spokesman said.
Geelani had planned a special prayer meeting at Hazratbal shrine later today for improvement of weather conditions in the valley.
“It was purely a prayer meeting. We had already made it known that there will not be any political speech or activity on the occasion. People had been requested to rise above their political and party considerations and join the prayers for improvement in weather as the prolonged inclemency has wreaked havoc with the crops, causing a colossal damage to the people associated with agriculture and horticulture,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 12 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST