Rahiba Parveen
SRINAGAR: The restrictions on movement of Kashmir’s octogenarian separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani have been lifted after nine months.
The police cordon of nearly 30 policemen around Mr Geelani’s home at Hyderpora near Srinagar was lifted on Monday night.
The Chairman of the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference was put under house arrest first in New Delhi where Parliament attack-convict, Afzal Guru was hanged.
He later flew back to the valley and was confined to his home ever since.
“Late last night police officer informed the family that police will be pulling off the cordon. On asking why? The officer said he is just following the orders,” said Ayaz Akbar, the Hurriyat Spokesperson on Tuesday.
The nine month-long detention has been the longest so far for the hardline leader. The government has been criticized over the issue as Mr Geelani was not even allowed to venture out for prayers.
Mr Geelani’s family had come out expressing concerns over his continuous house arrest which was taking a toll on his health. His son Nayeem Geelani had said his father’s “feet and legs were swollen and that it had become difficult for him to even walk properly’’.
Expressing surprise and pleasure over the release, Mr Akbar told FreePress that Mr. Geelani would be starting his programme from Friday “in case he continues to remain free’’.
“He will start to chalk down the plan in coming days. The first on his list is to go out to meet the families of the killed especially the family of Afzal Guru,” he added.
