SRINAGAR: The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have indefinitely banned a separatist leader from entering into the Jammu province, for unexplained reasons.
On Sunday, chairman of the pro-Independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front was to travel to Jammu for a court hearing.
He was stopped by the police and handed over a written order, signed by the District Magistrate.
“Restrictions are imposed on the movement on Malik and another JKLF leader Mushtaq Ajmal till further orders,” it reads.
The government feared Malik may travel to the areas which have been hit by communal violence.
“It may breach peace and tranquility in Jammu region as well in Srinagar,” the order reads.
On Aug 9, three people died in Kishtwar in clashes between Hindus and Muslims after Eid prayers. A curfew is still in place there.
The violence also spread to other parts of the province including Jammu city, where a curfew was imposed and lifted days after.
A spokesman of the JKLF has condemned what he called the “dictatorial attitude” of the government.
“The JKLF strongly condemns the order of the rulers and terms it as most undemocratic,” he said, according to a local news agency, KNS.
