Srinagar, Sept 8: Day after threatening to intensify the peaceful protests following the killings of four persons in Pattan, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani was arrested by police from his Hyderpora residence here today.

A large contingent of police cordoned Geelani’s house and informed the veteran leader that he was under arrest. However, before being taken into custody, Geelani urged the people to march to Eidgah on Eid and stage peaceful protests after prayers against the ongoing killing spree.

Police said Geelani, who is spearheading the ongoing Quit Jammu & Kashmir Movement, has been booked “for instigating crowd and being a threat to public peace and order.”

“I have been arrested to prevent my participation in the congregational Eid prayers. But this won’t make any difference,” Geelani said while addressing people through public address system from his house.

A police spokesman said Geelani has been taken into preventive custody under Section 107 and 151 of CrPC. “He had planned certain programmes which could have disturbed the public order. Keeping in view all the expected developments which could have occurred by his moves, he was arrested and has been lodged in Police Post Humhama,” the spokesman said.

“We have already given 5-point proposal to India and maintained to review the protest calendar in case of positive response which we are yet to receive. I urge the people that in case there is negative response, the agitation should be intensified,” Geelani said.

Geelani urged the people to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah. “At a time when whole Valley is in a state of mourning and nook and corner is spilled with blood of martyrs, we must celebrate Eid as bereaved. On Eid, people should wear black bands and move in procession towards Eidgah. If people prefer to travel through vehicles, they should hoist black flags on them as a mark of protest over the killings. After the prayers, people should stage peaceful protests,” he said.

Incidentally, the Hurriyat (M) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq as part of his unification efforts had recently urged Geelani to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah. But Geelani had maintained that he will offer the prayers at Hazratbal shrine.
Geelani also made a fervent appeal to youth who he said are at the forefront of the ongoing struggle to maintain discipline while staging protests. “People should ensure that they should not resort to any such activity during protests which will defame our movement,” he said.

Geelani appointed Nisar Hussain Rather as acting chairman of Hurriyat (G) and maintained that future protest programs will be given by him in consultation with the conglomerate’s general secretary, Masarat Alam.

Geelani paid rich tributes to the 69 people who were killed since June 11. “We won’t let the blood of martyrs go waste. The struggle will continue till complete demilitarization of Kashmir and achievement of right to self-determination. I appeal people to maintain unity,” he said.

Strongly condemning plans of a Florida church to burn copies of the Holy Quran on September 11, Geelani said this exposes the so-called democratic principles of the anti-Islamists.

“They are making attempts to hurt the sentiments of Muslims. I appeal the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stage peaceful protests and protect the Christians and Churches here and not let anybody to even cast an eye on them. This is what Islam teaches us,” he said.

As policemen escorted Geelani to a Gypsy, he asked them to adopt a humane approach towards people. “You are part of the Kashmiri society and not from Kolkatta and Bihar. While discharging your duties, you must not resort to anti-people tactics but adopt a realistic and humane approach to avoid alienation,” Geelani told the policemen.

The leader’s arrest triggered massive protests in Hyderpora and its adjoining areas as angry youth shouted pro-freedom slogans and fought pitched battles with police and troopers.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam, Aftab Kakroo said Geelani has been lodged in Humhama Police Station.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 8 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 8 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:00:00 IST