Friday, September 15 2006 16:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: "Senior separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Shabir Ahmed Shah were placed under house arrest this morning while another Masrat Alam was taken into preventive custody as a precautionary measure," official sources said.

Two police contingents simultaneously laid a cordon around the Hyderpora and Rawalpora residences of Hardline Hurriyat faction Chairperson, Geelani and President of Democratic Freedom Party, Shah, respectively at around 5 am this morning and asked them not to venture out, sources said.

Although no reason was given for the government step, officials said the move was taken as a precautionary measure in view of tension in the valley over remarks attributed to Pope Benedict XVI criticising Prophet Mohammed.

However, a Hurriyat spokesperson said Geelani was put under house arrest because he was scheduled to pay a visit to Hajan in Baramulla to lead a protest demonstration against the alleged arming of the son of slain counter-insurgent Kukka Parrey after the Friday congregation.

"Masrat Alam, Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League, a constituent of the hardline Hurriyat faction, was picked up by police from Shaheedgunj area of the city this morning," they said.

Alam, who had called for holding protest demonstrations against the remarks attributed to Pope was taken into preventive custody while he was on his way to the organisation's office, the sources said adding police and CRPF personnel have been put on alert to meet any eventuality.