Geelani, JKLF chief detained over Handwara protests

Chairman of hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik were detained today when they tried to march to Handwara in North Kashmir, where situation was rife after army shot dead a suspected militant.

They were taken into preventive custody when they tried to visit Handwara, alongwith their supporters, to meet the family of the youth who was allegedly killed by Army at Watergam village, 65km from here, yesterday, sources said.

Geelani, who was placed under house arrest at his Hyderpora residence on Srinagar-Airport road, was taken to Humhama Police Station after he broke the police cordon around his house and tried to leave for Handwara this afternoon.

Malik, alongwith half a dozen party activists were detained at Mirgund, 12km from here on Srinagar-Baramulla national highway, when they were on way to Handwara, the sources said.

Prior to his detention, Malik staged a sit-in on the highway after he was stopped by police.

Malik's detention sparked violent protests from his supporters, who stoned police at Maisuma and adjoining areas. Police used batons to chase them away.

Suspected militant, Sajad Ahmad Lone, who stormed an army camp in Baramulla district in an alleged suicide attack, was killed by the troops sparking protest by locals.