MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid Put under House Arrest in Srinagar

Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s arrival in Srinagar, independent legislator Sheikh Abdul Rashid has been put under house arrest as he and his supporters defied prohibitory orders and tried to stage a protest against the killing of three youths in the Machhil fake encounter, said media reports.

According to reports, Rashid and his supporters attempted to take out a procession towards Lal Chowk to stage a sit-in, however, security forces stopped them.

When Rashid and his supporters tried to break the police cordon, he was put under house arrest and nearly 150 of his supporters were detained, reports said.

The MLA had sought permission from the District Magistrate, Srinagar, for staging ‘peaceful’ protest in Lal Chowk or Raj Bhavan against the alleged ‘murder of three youths of Nadihal and unabated human rights violations’, said reports.

However, he was refused permission as prohibitory orders were in force in the city.

Rashid still went ahead with the protest for drawing Prime Minister’s attention towards the alleged killing.

“We strongly condemn the police action. It is nothing but sham democracy,” he was quoted as saying.

The Prime Minister will visit Kashmir today to take forward his peace initiative in the state and is expected to renew his offer for talks with separatists.

(Based on internet reports)