Geelani, JKLF chief detained over protests

Chairman of Hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik were detained on Sunday when they tried to march to Handwara in north Kashmir, where situation was rife after army shot dead a suspected militant.

They were taken into preventive custody when they tried to visit Handwara, along with their supporters, to meet the family of the youth who was allegedly killed by the army at

Watergam village, 65 km from Srinagar, on Saturday, sources said.

Geelani, who was placed under house arrest at his Hyderpora residence on Srinagar-Airport road, was taken to Humhama police station after he broke the police cordon around his house and tried to leave for Handwara this afternoon.

Malik, alongwith half a dozen party activists were detained at Mirgund, 12 km from Srinagar on the Srinagar-Baramulla national highway, when they were on way to Handwara, sources said.

Prior to his detention, Malik staged a sit-in on the highway after he was stopped by the police.

Malik's detention sparked violent protests from his supporters, who stoned the police at Maisuma and adjoining areas.

The police used batons to chase them away.

Suspected militant, Sajad Ahmad Lone, who stormed an army camp in Baramulla district in an alleged suicide attack, was killed by the troops sparking protest by locals.