Srinagar, Jan 25 (KNS): A day ahead of January 26, scores of pro-freedom leaders including Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik were on Friday detained and were lodged at police stations here.
Soon after the Friday congregational prayers ended in local Masjids, Police detained JKLF chairman at Abi Guzar here.
“A large posse of police reached Abi Guzar office of JKLF and took Malik into custody,” JKLF leaders told KNS, adding that Malik was lodged at Police Station Kothi Bagh after his detention.
Besides, Police also raided the People’s Political Party headquarters, Rajbagh in this afternoon and detained the Hurriyat Conference (M), senior leader and PPP Chief, Engineer Hilal Ahmed War during the raid.
PPP Chief was later lodged at Police Station Maisuma, spokesman said, adding that “War’s arrest is seen as a preventive measure by the State police to foil a possible Protest on the eve of Republic Day.”
The spokesperson also condemned his arrest, saying “it amounted to State oppression and a denial of right to expression.”
According to Hurriyat Conference (G) leaders, scores of its activists were detained ahead on eve of January 25. They said that activists from different areas were detained from last couple of days.
The detainees include Ashiq Hussain Sofi of Khanyar, Abdul Hamid Magrey and Nazir Ahmad from Kupwara, Bashir Ahmad Irfani from Chanapora, Bilal Sidique at Rajbagh and others. (KNS)