SRINAGAR, June 8: Kashmiri freedom fighters have given a call for strike in the Valley for Friday to protest against the arrest of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, head of a breakaway faction of All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
Mr Geelani was arrested on Wednesday in the town of Poonch where he was to address a series of rallies.
“Soon after he checked in Hotel Star in Poonch town, our police party immediately took him into custody,” a police official said.
A magistrate ordered Mr Geelani, who says he requires constant medical attention due to heart problems, into police custody until June 29. A warrant for Mr Geelani’s arrest was issued in Poonch in 2001 on the charge of inciting people against New Delhi during a series of speeches.
On Thursday, he was shifted to Kot Bhalwal prison in Jammu.
Three complaints were registered against Mr Geelani for inciting communal violence and hurting the sentiments of other communities, Poonch police chief S.D.S. Jamwal said.
Earlier, Mr Geelani denied the charges against him.
“I continue to believe Kashmir is a disputed territory and the only solution lies in holding a plebiscite to determine the wishes of people whether they are for Kashmir’ incorporation into Pakistan or with India,” he said.
Supporters of Mr Geelani staged protests in Srinagar on Thursday, and his party called for a strike on Friday.
“Geelani is the most influential and trusted leader in Kashmir. His arrest is an undemocratic act and demonstrates the highhandedness of authorities,” said a party statement.
Senior Hurriyat leader Ashraf Sehrai said Mr Geelani’s arrest was a ‘planned’ one and part of “a conspiracy to suppress the voice of Kashmiris.”—Agencies
