Srinagar, Dec 06: Chairman of the rebel Hurriyat Conference faction Syed Ali Shah Geelani was today put under house arrest while planning to lead a March in the city to protest denial of permission to hold a public rally, even as police fired teargas shells and cane charged his supporters trying to enforce a bandh. Srinagar district administration had refused permission to Geelani to hold a public rally today fearing law and order problem as it coincided with the 11th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid, official sources said.
The firebrand separatist leader gave a bandh call, which had a negligible response, for not being allowed to hold a rally.
Geelani told a news agency that a police party arrived at his Hyderpora residence at around 10.15 am and told his personal staff not to venture out of the premises though no notice was served on him personally. Today's strike was also supported by many outfits like People's League, Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Muslim League, Muslim Khawateen Markaz and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Official sources said attendance in government offices was near normal and except a few private schools, most educational institutions functioned normally. Transport services plied as usual throughout the valley and shops and business establishments, except for a few in the Lal Chowk area, also remained open.
Bureau Report