Date:06/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/06/stories/2007050604220800.htm

National

JKLF puts off `freedom journey'

Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR: The pro-Independent Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front on Saturday postponed its "Safr-e-Azadi" (journey for freedom) as the authorities refused to allow it without prior permission. The journey through the valley was scheduled to start on Sunday.

While some news agencies reported that JKLF chief Yasin Malik, who was supposed to lead the programme, was arrested along with eight others, the police denied this.

Mr. Malik, according to reports, reached Zangam Kokernag in South Kashmir to see the arrangements. However, when the JKLF supporters started assembling and raised slogans, the police asked them to leave. There was a brief clash between JKLF activists and the police. A spokesman said Mr. Malik was arrested along with eight others. "Since the police disrupted our programme it has been decided to postpone it for some time," he said.

However, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South Kashmir range, Hemant K. Lohia told The Hindu that neither Mr. Malik nor any other activist was arrested. "We did stop them from assembling there as they had not sought prior permission. But we did not arrest him or any other person," he said.