Srinagar: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday had a word with J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed over telephone on the issue of arrest of separatist leader Masrata Alam and Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The HM reportedly told the CM that centre wants arrest of separatist leaders.
Reports, however, said that Mufti is not in favour of the arrest of separatist leaders.
Yesterday, officials in Srinagar registered an FIR against Geelani, Alam and other separatist leaders for their “provocative activities” and waving the Pakistani flag in Hyderpora area of the valley yesterday. The FIR was filed under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and RPC.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Nirmal Singh said, “See the situation in Kashmir.You should see the mob. We will take action under appropriate law and appropriate time... (An) FIR has been lodged and police will take action at appropriate time.”
When asked about the arrest of Alam, Singh said “a case for anti-India remarks will be slapped against him (Masarat Alam)” and rejected suggestions that a long rope was being given to the separatists and hardliners during the BJP-PDP coalition rule.
Yesterday, Hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam's supporters waved Pakistani flags and shouted anti-India and pro-Pak slogans during a rally held in support of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani in Srinagar, when he arrived from Delhi after four months.
During the rally, some people also pelted stones at CRPF vehicles. The security personnel exercised restraint to safeguard the lives of people.
While addressing the crowd, Geelani targeted the Jammu and Kashmir government and accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of plotting against Kashmir.
The speech was was simultaneously broadcast in Islamabad and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir capital Muzaffarabad.
He said that the Centre's plan of composite townships for displaced Kashmiri Pandits was unacceptable. He also targeted security forces and the government for the Tral encounter that took place on Monday.
The Army had shot down a suspected militant during a search operation in Kamla Top forest area near Buchoo village of Tral in Pulwama district.
Masarat Alam and other separatist leader Yasin Malik were detained by the police on Tuesday while protesting against the encounter.
