Srinagar, Sep 19: A day after Kashmir Valley witnessed shutdown and protests against the blasphemous film released in US, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani Wednesday evening appeared in Lal Chowk for shopping taking people by surprise.
Geelani was accompanied by his party’s senior leader Pir Saifullah. His sudden appearance in Lal Chowk took the people and law enforcing agencies by surprise. In a jiffy the youth in a good number surrounded Geelani and he was seen shaking hands with the people around.
The cops who were deployed in the area were keenly watching Geelani’s movement in the city centre. The cops took the positions across the road on footpath and were monitoring the developments but did not intervene.
Hurriyat (G) chairman visited at least four shops in Lal Chowk and he was looking for a warm gown, which he could not get in the area. “He was looking for a warm gown, but it was not available,” one of shopkeepers told Greater Kashmir. “That gown is mostly used in winter and the winter clothing is yet to arrive,” he said.
The people who met Geelani told him about the news report about Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) that had appeared in a local daily today. “Geelani Sahab told us that he knows that,” said a person who met the Hurriyat (G) chairman.
Police said they knew that Geelani had left his Hyderpora residence. “We knew that Geelani has left his Hyderpora residence,” a senior police officer from Budgam told Greater Kashmir adding that they were, however, not knowing the purpose of his outing.
Soon after Geelani left Lal Chowk, a police gypsy was seen following him.
Hurriyat (G) has off and on said that their chairman is never free and is always under house arrest. Recently, former union law minister and senior counsel Ram Jethmalani announced to challenge in the Supreme Court the continued house arrest of Syed Ali Geelani.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST