After not allowing Syed Ali Shah Geelani to hold public rallies since last week, authorities on Monday barred the octogenarian separatist leader from addressing a press conference.
The hardline leader was scheduled to address the media at his Hyderpora residence in Srinagar. "This is the third time that the separatist leader was barred from holding a press conference. It shows frustration on the part of the government," Hurriyat (Geelani) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said.
Police blocked the road leading to Geelani's residence to prevent mediapersons from reaching there. Geelani was, however, taken for a medical check-up in police custody to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, early on Monday.
Geelani has been under house arrest since December 5, a day before his scheduled meeting in Tral in south Kashmir. The separatist leader was not allowed to hold rallies in Bandipora and Srinagar as well. "The Srinagar March on Sunday was expected to be big, as thousands of people were likely to attend," Akbar added.
Geelani was released on October 29, after 35 days of house detention. The hardliner addressed massive public meetings in Sopore, Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama and Kupwara after the removal of restrictions.