Friday, May 27 2005 15:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Chairman of hard line faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani was put under house arrest today (May 27, 2005) as Kashmir valley observed a complete shutdown against the alleged desecration of holy Quran by the US troops in Guantanamo bay detention centre, official sources said.

The strike call was given by Geelani's faction and supported by several groups including Jamaat-e-Islami, Dukhtaran-e-Millat and Muslim Khawateen Markaz against the alleged desecration of the holy book by the US troops.

Geelani was put under house arrest early this morning, as he was planning to lead a protest demonstration after Friday prayers, the sources said, adding the step was taken to maintain law and order in the city.

Four activists of Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement were taken into preventive custody as they staged a protest against the incident on residency road at Lal Chowk, the sources said.

The protestors raised anti-US slogans and burnt the star and stripes flag of the country to show their anger, they said.

In downtown city, activists of Dukhtaran-e-Millat burnt the US flag and raised slogans against the George W Bush administration, the sources said.

Similar protests were held at several places across Kashmir valley with Bandipore in Baramulla district and Charar-e-Sharief in Budgam district, they said.

Mainstream political parties including National Conference and State unit of Communist Party of India Marxist (CPM) have also condemned the incident.