Srinagar: After a long gap, Kashmir valley once again witnessed stone-pelting incidents today.
Supporters of separatist leader Masarat today came out on streets and started stone-pelting on security personnel in protest against the arrest of Alam.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq led the protests.
Police had to use tear gas and resort to lathicharge to disperse the crowd.The protesters were heading for a march in Tral town of Pulwama district.
Clashes erupted on the streets of Srinagar this afternoon when supporters of the Hurriyat Conference clashed with police resulting in injury to about a dozen people, including two policemen.
Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces soon after the Friday prayers concluded at the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of the city.
Reports of stone-pelting were also received from Tral and adjoining areas. Young men with clothes wrapped on their faces were seen hurling stones at the police who fired teargas shells to break up the march.
Protests were by Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Nowhatta in Srinagar. Protestors are claiming that Masarat's arrest is unlawful.
An FIR was registered against Geelani, Masarat and other separatists leaders for “provocative activities” under various sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and other penal laws.
Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has also been placed under house arrest. The two leaders were slated to hold a rally in Tral to protest against the death of a youth in a recent encounter. Cases have also been filed against 6 other separatists.
Jammu and Kashmir today morning arrested separatist leader Masarat Alam on charges of indulging in anti-national activities.
Yesterday night, Masrat and hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani were put under house arrest in Srinagar's Zaindar area.
Geelani and Masarat, according to sources, had been planning to visit the south Kashmir's Tral town on Friday where a civilian was killed in firing by the security forces three days ago.
The police has taken Masarat to Saheed Gunj police station with reports suggesting that he will be imprisoned after being produced before a magistrate.
During Wednesday's rally, which was addressed by Geelani, Masarat had praised Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) terror outfit chief Hafiz Mohammed Sayeed and asked people to join hands with his organisation. He had also raised pro-Pakistan slogans and Pakistani national flags were also waved at the rally.
Sources said that yesterday night, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had sent another advisory to the Jammu and Kashmir government asking it to clarify its move to put Masarat under house arrest. The MHA had noted that house arrest is a preventive measure and this is aimed at stopping him from taking part in today's proposed rally in Tral.
It had strongly asked the state government to arrest him for crime which he committed at Wednesday's rally.
Sources also said that top MHA officials today morning spoke to J&K government and conveyed Centre's concern.
Yesterday afternoon, the MHA had dispatched a file containing evidences against Masarat and stated that if state government fails to take action, the Centre will have to interfere in the matter.
4-year-old Alam is accused of organising stone-throwing protests in the valley in 2010, in which more than 100 people were killed. His release, days after the PDP-BJP government was sworn in, created a huge uproar across the country.
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