The night started with rumours, of veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani passing away. Soon after, heavy contingents of armed forces were rushed towards Hyderpora, sealing all entry and exit points.
The move confirmed the development.
As the civilians were diverted towards alternate routes, the press was completely barred from approaching the area.
News soon spread that Syed Ali Shah Geelani is no more and mobile phones went silent, as the communication was once again shut down.
Slogans roared from masjids, that the ‘Quaid’ has died, followed by a lull throughout the night.
Restrictions dominated the following morning when the family reportedly said that the police forced them to bury the body in the night, without proper last-rites, and even scuffled with the family.
The IGP has denied these allegations, and said that they facilitated the burial, and ‘did not want any law and order situation’.
An uneasy calm prevails across the region for now.
Rest in pictures…
An armed forces personnel stands at the entry point of the lane near Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s residence after news of his passing away was shared. [FPK Photo/Vikar Syed.]
Indian armed forces patrolled outside the graveyard where Syed Ali Shah Geelani was later buried. [FPK Photo/Vikar Syed.]
Journalists were barred by the armed forces from covering the funeral of Geelani, and were stopped at Hyderpora, some 1 kilometer from the residence. [FPK Photo/Vikar Syed.]
To stop people from gathering, all lanes near the residence of Syed Ali Shah Geelani at Hyderpora Srinagar, were blocked by the Indian armed forces. [FPK Photo/Vikar Syed.]
Large contingents of armed forces were deployed across Kashmir at night. Civilians were not allowed to move towards Geelani’s residence. [FPK Photo/Vikar Syed.]
Kashmiris woke up to restrictions on movement that were imposed after the death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. [FPK Photo/Vikar Syed.]
Restrictions were imposed on communication and movement and civilians were questioned before moving towards the area [FPK Photo/Vikar Syed.]
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