Srinagar, Sep 30: Police on Friday arrested the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Muhammad Yasin Malik, and his supporters here after he staged a protest demanding clemency for parliament attack convict Afzal Guru facing death row.
 Malik along with dozens of supporters started the march from the uptown Maisuma headquarters of the JKLF in the afternoon. As the JKLF marchers tried to proceed towards the nearby Lal Chowk city centre, police intercepted them, arresting Malik and a few JKLF activists.
 The march was part of JKLF's programme to seek clemency for Afzal Guru. Following Malik’s arrest some youth took to streets and pelted stones at police and paramilitary CRPF men.
 "Prohibitory orders are in force in the city. Police intervened to break the unlawful assembly taken out by Yasin Malik and his supporters," a police officer said.
 Malik was kept at a local police station after his arrest, he added.
 Earlier, Malik while addressing the protest rally said sending Afzal Guru to gallows would disrupt peace in the whole subcontinent.
 Terming the National Conference, Peoples’ Democratic Party and Congress as the chips of same block, Malik said “these parties had virtually nothing to do with Afzal Guru or the death and life of any Kashmiri.” He termed as diabolic political game the statements of mainstream politicians in the State Assembly. “If Afzal Guru was hanged, it would create an uncontrollable storm and give birth to thousands of Afzal Gurus who will continue their struggle.”
 Meanwhile, JKLF spokesman condemned the police action against peaceful protesters and arrest of Malik and other leaders.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 1 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST