Brain behind 'azadi' protests arrested after four months

Jammu and Kashmir Police achieved a major success on Friday when they arrested the most-wanted separatist leader who was the brain behind massive 'pro-azadi (freedom) and anti-India' protests in south Kashmir in the last four months.

Mir Hafizullah, the district president of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat led by 87-year-old hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani, had gone underground to lead the protests after the unrest began following the killing of Hizbul Mujahedeen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

Police said Mir had organised scores of pro-freedom and anti-India rallies in Anantnag which had allegedly triggered stone pelting in South Kashmir. Mir was evading arrest for the last four months and organising and leading protests from underground.

"Mir was one of the main instigators operating in Kokarnag and Achabal. He was leading the protests. Further investigation is on," said Nitish Kumar, deputy inspector general, South Kashmir Range.