Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani put under house arrest

Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani was on Friday put under house arrest as authorities feared law and order problems due to his presence at a Friday congregation.

Policemen from Humhama police station informed him about the prohibitory orders on his movement, official sources said.

Geelani was likely to visit Hazratbal, where a large congregation was expected for Friday prayers on account of Shab-e-Meraj, which could lead to law and order problems.

Police officials refused to confirm or deny Geelani's house arrest.

A Hurriyat spokesman condemned the government's move of not allowing Geelani to offer Friday prayers.

Moderate faction of Hurriyat headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said it will hold a peaceful procession from Jamia Masjid to the Naqshband Sahib graveyard on July 13.