Geelani, Omar, Shabir, 6 others under house-arrest in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 8 (UNI) Chairmen of both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and five other senior separatist leaders were put under house-arrest in the Kashmir valley.

Official sources said it was a precautionary measure.

A spokesman for the moderate HC Shahi-dul-Islam told UNI that chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq was put under house-arrest since last evening.

He said the move was to prevent the separatist leaders from presenting a memorandum to United Nations Military Observers (UNMO) office at Sonawar about the economic blockade, attack on Muslims and Kashmiri drivers in Jammu and other Human Rights violations by the Indian security forces.

Mr Islam, who was also under house-arrest since last evening, said Mirwaiz Omar was scheduled to lead the procession.

He said another Hurriyat leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan was also under house-arrest.

The leaders, including Mirwaiz Omar, could not offer Friday prayers in the mosque, he said.

Chairman Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Shabir Ahmad Shah told UNI that a large number of police personnel had been deployed outside his residence since yesterday.

He said he was informed by a police officer that he has been put under house-arrest and he cannot leave untill further orders.

Senior Hurriyat leader Shah said he was also scheduled to join Mirwaiz Omar in the march.

Two other hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz and Javid Ahmad Mir were also put under house-arrest.

A spokesman of the breakaway HC Aiyaz Akbar told UNI that Mr Geelani remained confined in his Hyderpora residence as he was not being allowed to move out of his house since August 4.

However, on August 5 police deployed outside his residence were withdrawn for few hours when he visited the Maisuma residence of a youth, who was killed in police action on August 4.

Officials had apprehensions that Mr Geelani may join the agitators who are protesting against the alleged attack on the Muslims and Kashmiri drivers in Jammu.

Criticising the authorities for keeping the Hurriyat Chairman under continued house-arrest, Mr Akbar said this has exposed the Indian democracy.

He said Mr Geelani was not allowed to offer Friday prayers in the mosque.

UNI BAS QAB RSA UCS1552