Kashmiri separatist arrested, booked under Public Safety Act

A separatist activist, who became an internet sensation for his lyrical protests during the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, was arrested in Anantnag district on Saturday.

A separatist activist, who became an internet sensation for his lyrical protests during the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, was arrested in Anantnag district on Saturday.

A separatist activist, who became an internet sensation for his lyrical protests during the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, was arrested in Anantnag district on Saturday. (AP)

Ummat e Islami leader Maulana Sarjan Barkati, a resident of Shopian, was arrested from Wanpoh area of the district, a police official said.

Barkati’s videos of lyrical and rhythmic sloganeering had gone viral on Facebook and other social networking sites, gaining him the sobriquet “freedom chacha”.

He has been booked under the Public Safety Act, the official said.

Barkati was declared a “proclaimed offender” and police had announced a reward for information leading to his arrest after several raids to nab him had failed.

His house in Reban in Shopian district was sealed by the authorities on Thursday.