Cong leader held for stone-pelting

The Jammu and Kashmir police arrested a Congress leader last week in Baramulla for allegedly indulging in stone pelting.

The Jammu and Kashmir police arrested a Congress leader last week in Baramulla for allegedly indulging in stone pelting.

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"He took part in the latest protests in the town and indulged in stone pelting," said Baramulla SSP Sheikh Mehmood.

35-year-old Manzoor Ahmad Fafoo contested the 2005 Municipal Council polls from the Khawajabagh area on Congress ticket.

Mehmood, however, added: "Fafoo is not a hardcore stone thrower, but has taken part in protests more than once during the past days of unrest."

Although repeated attempts to contact state Congress chief Saifuddin Soz — with whom Manzoor is reportedly close — failed, state Congress vice president GN Monga said: "Manzoor is innocent. He is a well-read man. During the 2005 elections, he got a good number of votes and lost by a very small margin," he said.

But Mehmood said: "We know who all are involved in stone pelting. The family has applied for his bail and he may be released soon."