Geelani released after 6 hours, Mosa, Laya detained in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 25 (UNI) Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was put under house arrest this morning was released at 1200 hrs after six hours detention.

However, two other senior leaders of the breakaway HC General Moosa and Mohammad Ashraf Laya, who were arrested at Mirgund when they were on their way to Baramulla, remained in detention.

Official sources said Mr Geelani was put under house arrest as a precautionary measure. However, he was released in the afternoon, they said.

A spokesman of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) Aiyaz Akbar told UNI that a large number of police personnel have been deployed around the Hyderpora residence of Mr Geelani since 0600 hrs this morning.

Mr Akbar said the HC chairman was scheduled to address an anti- election rally at Shopian in south Kashmir this afternoon.

The spokesman said Mr Geelani was informed at 1200 hrs that he could move out of his house. The police personnel deployed around Mr Geelani's have also left, he added.

He said the authorities had apprehensions that Mr Geelani would visit Baramulla where the situation was very tense after the death of two commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) on Wednesday.

However, he said, Mr Geelani later left for Shopian.

The HC has already started anti-poll campaign in the Kashmir valley saying that election or selection will not help to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Mr Geelani has appealed to people to stay away from the poll process.

Mr Akbar said the HC chairman was put under house arrest after he successfully held two anti-poll rallies at Sumbal and Sopore where was attented by thousands.

He said the anti-poll campaign will continue and other leaders of the amalgam will continue rallies as per scheduled in the valley.

UNI BAS SB RK1355