Wednesday, July 13 2005 14:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Hurriyat hardline faction Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani was placed under house arrest this morning (July 13, 2005), officials said.

A contingent of police and paramilitary personnel cordoned off the residence of Geelani at Hyderpora in Srinagar around 1100 hrs (IST) said but did not assign any reason for the step.

A Hurriyat hardline group spokesman said the step was taken to "prevent Geelani and his associates" from visiting the 'Martyrs Graveyard' at Naqshband Sahib in downtown Srinagar.

He said while all the other political parties were allowed to visit the graveyard and pay homage, the hardline Hurriyat faction led by Geelani was "singled out and barred".