Geelani, Omar, among lakhs, attend 'Nimaz Jinazah' of Aziz

Srinagar, Aug 12 (UNI) Defying the curfew restrictions, chairmen of both the factions of Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front were among lakhs of people who attended the ''Nimaz Jinazah'' of People's League chairman Sheikh Abdul Aziz, who was killed in firing during Muzaffarabad march yesterday.

Aziz was laid to rest at the martyrs graveyard at Eidgah this afternoon.

The authorities had virtually withdrawn security and police forces from the Eidgah and Jamia Masjid and other areas to allow smooth passage of the funeral procession of Aziz without any confrontation.

Aziz and several others were killed and scores injured when police and security forces opened fire to disperse processionists, who were marching towards Uri demanding opening of Srinagar- Muzaffarabad road for trade, following the alleged blockade and attack on Kashmiri drivers in Jammu.

Aziz's body was kept in the historic Jamia Masjid throughout the night where thousands of people were present.

Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Muhammad Omar Farooq, chairman of moderate faction of HC, said the body would not be buried until they were allowed to join the ''Nimaz Jinazah''.

Thousands of people gathered outside the residence of Mr Geelani, who was under house arrest since August four, and broke the police cordon.

Later, Mr Geelani led the procession to Eidgah.

Likewise, the Mirwaiz, who was also under house arrest since August 10, led the procession from his Nigeen house to Eidgah.

The Mirwaiz and Mr Geelani were also joined by JKLF chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik and moderate Hurriyat leader Aga Syed Hassan al-Safvi al-Mousvi, who had come from Badgam in a procession.

Lakhs of people from different parts of the valley, particuarly from almost all areas of Srinagar and its outskirts, joined the ''Nimaz Jinazah'' of Aziz, along with two more people.

UNI BAS QAB GL HT1730