Geelani, Masrat put under house arrest in Srinagar

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir authorities here on Thursday night placed hardline separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Masrat Alam under house arrest.

"To maintain law and order, Geelani has been out under house arrest in his Hyderpora residence in the city," a senior police officer told IANS in Srinagar. Geelani, according to sources, had been planning to visit the south Kashmir's Tral town on Friday where a civilian was killed in firing by the security forces three days ago.

Chairman of Hardline Faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani along with Senior separatist leader Masrat Alam, addressing a rally in Srinagar on Wednesday. Pic/ PTI

Geelani arrived here on Wednesday from New Delhi where he spent winter season due to health reasons. He was here received by a large number of supporters on arrival. Separatist leader Masrat Alam was also put under house arrest in Srinagar's Zaindar area.

He was leading the supporters of Geelani during Wednesday's procession in which Pakistan flags were displayed and pro-freedom and pro-Pakistan slogans were raised. Demands were being raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress for Masrat Alam's detention and these demands turned sharper after Wednesday's incident in Srinagar.