JKLF chief Yasin Malik was arrested on Monday when he was on his way to meet Hurriyat faction chairman Syed Ali Geelani to “chalk out a joint strategy for boycotting” Wednesday’s bypoll in Anantnag. A JKLF spokesman said Mr. Malik, who is striving for separatists’ unity, was detained at the Batamaloo bus stand in the city. “Mr. Malik was taken to the Srinagar Central Jail. Since May 25, he has been arrested more than six times,” the spokesman alleged.
Condemning the police action, Mr. Geelani said, “This attitude of the authorities will have very serious consequences. It is increasing the political uncertainty and unstable situation in the State. It can turn the situation ugly and uncontrollable anytime.”
Sources said the two separatist leaders were to discuss the poll boycott. Mr. Malik is likely to be released after the polls, police sources said.
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Appealing for a total boycott, a joint statement of Mr. Geelani and Mr. Malik read: “Casting votes will be an act of treason with the blood of martyrs and will tantamount to a sell-out. Pro-India parties ask for votes against the basic facilities like electricity, water, roads etc but India projects this vote as a justification for its forced occupation on the international forums and gets a chance to mislead the world community.”