Masarat held; violence breaks out in Kashmir

Srinagar: The PDP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday succumbed to pressure from the BJP, its alliance partner, and arrested hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat on Friday for indulging in “seditious activities”.

The authorities also placed hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani and others under house arrest.

Octogenarian Geelani had called for a march to south Kashmir’s Tral area to protest against the killing of two youths in an Army operation a few days ago.

Bhat’s arrest and Geelani’s house detention triggered violent protests in several areas of Srinagar city and other districts in the state. 

At least two dozen people, including policemen, were injured in these protests. An official spokesman said Masarat Alam was arrested for his “seditious activities”.

“In Geelani’s recent rally, provocative and seditious slogans were raised. Masarat instigated the crowd by shouting pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans. An FIR was lodged on the same day, and during investigations, it was found that Masarat was raising slogans and instigating the crowd to follow him,” he added.

An FIR was registered against Geelani, Masarat and other separatist leaders for



“provocative activities” under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and other laws on Wednesday evening after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh called J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed asking him to take “immediate and stringent” action against the law-breakers.

Masarat, who was placed under house arrest on Thursday night, was arrested from his home in the Habbakadal on Friday morning.

The 45-year-old, who is being seen as a possible successor to Geelani and was instrumental in triggering the 2010 stone-pelting agitation, was released after 53 months in jail on the orders of Mufti. Masarat's release created a furore across the country with Prime Minister Modi making a statement on the floor of the House after Opposition parties cornered him. 

Meanwhile, Kashmir witnessed a series of demonstrations against Masarat’s re-arrest and the recent Tral killings, with protesters at various place fighting pitched battles with the security forces. At least two dozen people, including security personnel, were injured during the day-long clashes.

Reports said protesters burnt the national flag while fighting the security forces in the Nowhatta area of the old city after Friday prayers.