Strict curbs, internet clampdown in wake of Geelani's death

Internet and mobile networks were snapped as a precautionary measure amid apprehension of mass protests. Also, railway service has been suspended and examinations too have been postponed.

Srinagar(Jammu-Kashmir): In the wake of top separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani's death, Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday imposed strict restrictions along with a near-total communications blackout in the Union Territory.

Geelani, who died on Wednesday at age 92, was buried in a quiet funeral at a graveyard of a local mosque amid restrictions, his son Naseem Geelani told ETV Bharat.

"Our family had planned the funeral at the Srinagar's martyrs' graveyard as per his last will but we were not allowed by the police," he said, adding, "Police personnel snatched and dragged his body and buried him. We were not present for his last rites. We resisted but they manhandled us and didn't even spare women members of the family."

However, police, while denying the allegations, claimed that they helped during the funeral of Geelani.

"Reported allegations against police are baseless. In fact, police facilitated in bringing dead-body from house to graveyard as there was apprehension that miscreants might take undue advantage of the situation. Relatives participated in last rites," Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said.

Though there were reports of protests from different parts of the Srinagar city, Jammu and Kashmir Police's Director General Dilbag Singh also claimed that "No untoward incident took place in the Valley."

READ:Former Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani passes away at 92

"No untoward incident was reported from anywhere. The situation is being reviewed and watched closely. The deployment of security forces personnel and other precautionary measures are in place," Singh said while commenting on the security situation in Kashmir in the wake of Geelani's death.

While most of the locals remained locked inside their homes, security forces personnel were seen patrolling in the area. Barricades and Concertina Wires were placed across several roads, bridges and intersections in the Valley.

According to the police, Internet and mobile networks were snapped as a precautionary measure amid apprehension of mass protests. Also, railway service has been suspended and examinations too have been postponed.

Despite restrictions, few relatives and neighbours were allowed to offer prayers at his grave today.

Some neighbours and relatives were allowed to go to the Jamia Masjid graveyard at Hyderpora, Srinagar, where Geelani is buried, for prayers," a police official confirmed.

"About 50 people attended Geelani's funeral, including members of the mosque committee, some neighbours and some relatives," the official said.

Interestingly, Geelani has been active in Kashmir politics for around 50 years. A few months ago, he resigned from the Hurriyat Conference (G).

During his long political career, Syed Ali Geelani was a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muslim United Front for at least 15 years. He later bid adieu to mainstream politics and played a key role as a separatist leader.

Geelani has been under house arrest for the past 13 years. He was detained during Omar Abdullah's rule in 2010 when a public protest against the killing of four Kashmiri youths in a mock clash led by him took place in Kashmir in which dozens of people were killed.