Valley on edge after violence mars Eid

Violence and protests marred Eid in Kashmir valley on Friday. Clashes broke out in Srinagar – and other parts -- and lasted the entire day over the authorities’ decision to bar six senior separatist leaders from attending the Eid prayers.

Violence and protests marred Eid in Kashmir valley on Friday. Clashes broke out in Srinagar – and other parts -- and lasted the entire day over the authorities’ decision to bar six senior separatist leaders from attending the Eid prayers.

Among them was Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the Hurriyat moderate faction, who was expected to attend a congregation at the Eidgah of Srinagar’s old city. But fearing a law and order problem, the authorities had placed him under house arrest.

“It is a trampling of religious rights. All Muslim countries should take note of it,” the Mirwaiz told his supporters in a telephonic address.

Besides, hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and JKLF chief Yasin Malik were also placed under house arrest.

After the prayers, the Mirwaiz’s supporters started pelting stones outside the Eidgah, forcing security forces to use tear gas. Several men were injured.