Police prevents Syed Ali Shah Geelani from addresing rally at Anantnag

SRINAGAR: Police today foiled seperatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's plan to address a public gathering in Anantnag district of south Kashmir by detaining him near his residence here.

"As Geelani tried to leave for south Kashmir, he was detained by a large posse of police who were stationed outside his residence at Hyderpora," a Hurriyat spokesperson said.

Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Geelani had announced to offer Friday prayers in Anantnag and was scheduled to address a public gathering there after the prayers.

The spokesperson said that dozens of Hurriyat leaders were also detained along with Geelani.

The separatist leader continues to be under arrest since his arrival from New Delhi on April 15 this year barring on two occasions - first when he was allowed to go to Tral to address a rally on May 1 and then on June 5 when he visited Passport Office here for filing his passport application.

Earlier, on June 14, authorities did not allow Geelani to conduct a seminar in which people from different walks of life were scheduled to express their views on the topic 'How to Resist the Indian State Fascism'.

Those invited for the seminar included Akali Dal leader Simranjit Singh Mann, Dal Khalsa leader Kanwarpal Singh, noted human rights activist Gautam Navlakha and representatives of the Christian community.
Meanwhile, clashes broke out between a group of youth and security forces after Friday prayers in Anantnag.

Clashes were reported from Lal Chowk area of Anantnag where Geelani was scheduled to address the rally, officials said.

They said a group of youth pelted stones on security personnel who retaliated using tear smoke shells.

One person has been injured, the officials said, adding that the clashes were going on when reports last came in.

Clashes were also reported from Nowhatta area of downtown Srinagar, the officials said.

They said scores of youth took out a march from Jamia Masjid to Nowhatta Chowk after the culmination of Friday prayers.

The youth started pelting stones on the security forces stationed there, the officials said.

Security forces used tear smoke shells to disperse the youth, they said adding there was no immediate report of any causality.