MLA leads march in support of JNU students, detained

SRINAGAR: Controversial Independent MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid was today detained here after he took out a march to express solidarity with JNU students and register protest against the arrest of former Delhi University professor S A R Geelani over alleged anti-India sloganeering.

Rashid was taken into preventive custody near Zero Bridge and lodged at Rajbagh Police Station, police officials said.

They said Rashid, along with several dozen supporters, took out a march from his Jawahar Nagar residence in support of JNU students and against the arrest of S A R Geelani.

He was stopped by police near Zero bridge and asked to end the march, police said, adding he was detained as he paid no heed and tried to continue the march towards Lal Chowk.

Rashid, who is known for his controversial actions and statements, had triggered a major row some months back by holding a beef party at MLAs' Hostel here amid a raging debate over the issue.

The MLA yesterday lauded the students of JNU for protesting against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and lashed out at BJP and Congress for trying to use the issue for political gains.

"I thank and salute the students and scholars of JNU for raising their voice against the hanging of Guru. Hats off to them. The protests are an undercurrent in India against the BJP and RSS," he had told reporters.