J-K: Top separatist leaders put under house arrest

Top separatist leaders, including chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference, have been placed under house arrest by authorities to foil their plans of holding a rally at Eidgah tomorrow to commemorate the death anniversaries of Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone.
While hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has been under house arrest since his return from Delhi on March 7, restrictions were imposed on the movement of chairman of moderate faction Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday, official sources said.
The moderate faction had planned a big rally at Eidgah in old city to pay homage to Farooq and Lone, who were shot dead by militants on May 21 in 1990 and 2002 respectively.

Although separatists used to hold a rally every year on May 21 at Eidgah, the authorities imposed curbs on these rallies following the 2010 summer unrest.
The officials have conveyed to Mirwaiz that the government will not allow the Hurriyat to hold the rally at Eidgah tomorrow.
"Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and SSP Srinagar called on Mirwaiz at his Nigeen residence this evening and informed him that he will not be allowed to hold the rally tomorrow," media advisor of Hurriyat Shahidul Islam told PTI.

Restrictions are likely to be imposed in the old city tomorrow to thwart any attempts by the supporters of the Mirwaiz to stage protests.

Cutting across party lines, mainstream and separatists paid rich tributes to the slain leaders and highlighted their contribution for the upliftment of the society.
"Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq was a staunch supporter of Indo-Pak friendship and unity among the Muslims in Kashmir, while Lone had played an important role in the betterment of the people and politics in the state," National Conference working president and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah said in a statement here.
The enemies of Kashmiris snatched the two leaders from the people, Abdullah said and expressed hope that Mirwaiz's son will follow the footsteps of his father and lead the Muslims besides working for return of peace to the Valley and betterment of the people.