Srinagar, Oct 26: Following their announcement to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah and other major public places in the city, the State Government tonight placed top separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik under house arrest.
According to reports, Mirwaiz, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Nayeem Ahmad Khan were placed under house arrest on Friday night after police contingents were deployed outside their respective residences.
Meanwhile a senior police officer confirmed the house arrest of the separatist leaders. This is a precautionary step as we would not want to take any chances on the day of Eid. Peace is our top priority and such steps become necessary for maintenance of peace on the Eid day, the officer KNS quoted the officer on the conditions of anonymity.
It is noteworthy that Mirwaiz had announced to offer Eid prayers at historic Eidgah in the old city, Geelani in Hazratbal and Malik in TRC Grounds in uptown Srinagar.