Srinagar, Aug 6: The government on Saturday prevented Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani from holding a news conference here.
A large contingent of police personnel deployed in Hyderpora on the lane leading to Geelani’s residence prevented media persons from moving ahead. “Leave this place quickly as there are strict orders from higher-ups not to let media in,” a group of policemen led by a DySP told media men on the spot.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Hurriyat (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said police barred Geelani from addressing news conference by preventing entry of media persons.
“Geelani continued to remain under house detention for the 11th continuous day today,” he said.
Geelani was scheduled to address a news conference over issues of ban on Tehreek-e-Hurriyat rally, custodial death of Sopore youth and restrictions imposed on him.
Akbar said today’s action shows ‘height of government’s frustration by the popularity of Geelani.’ “After imposing curbs on his movement, they are now preventing him from speaking to the media to de-link him from the people. But these draconian acts cannot keep him away from the masses as he rules their hearts,” Akbar said.
“If Government can hold a senior leader like Geelani hostage on gun-point, the fate of common Kashmiris can be imagined,” he added.
Pertinently, since last year’s unrest in which about 120 civilians were killed by police and CRPF, Geelani has almost continuously remained under house arrest.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 6 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 6 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 7 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST