"I strongly condemn the registration of FIRs against the pro-freedom leaders for raising pro-freedom slogans in the rally yesterday. These kinds of actions cannot deter us. If demanding of freedom right is crime then we will continue to do it again and again and no power of the world can stop us from doing this," Geelani was quoted as saying by Kashmir Times. The separatist leader is under house arrest at the moment.
READ ALSO: Jammu & Kashmir violent protests part of 'conspiracy' to halt return of Kashmiri pandits, BJP says
Prior, violence broke out on the streets of Srinagar over the killing of two youths in Tral on a day separatist leader Alam was arrested, with protesters burning the national flag and fighting pitched battles with security forces.
Certain areas in Srinagar resembled a battle zone as masked protesters burnt the tricolour and clashed with security forces resulting in injuries to about a dozen people, including two policemen, PTI reported.
READ ALSO: Separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat arrested
The protesters were also seen hurling stones at the police which retaliated, bursting teargas shells and using force to disperse the violent crowds.
The moderate faction of the Hurriyat led by Farooq also staged its own protest.
Policemen fire teargas shells towards protesters during an agitation against the arrest of Masarat Alam in Srinagar on Friday. (PTI Photo)
Meanwhile, Geelani has given a strike call throughout the Valley on Saturday against the killings and today's police action.
As the Centre came under attack for the situation in the state ruled by PDP-BJP coalition, Union home minister Rajnath Singh chose to do some fire-fighting and asserted India's unity and integrity were "inviolable" and "nobody will be allowed to break it".
"Anybody found engaging in anti-national activities will not be spared or forgiven," he told a press conference near Kanpur.
READ ALSO: Separatists raise Pakistan flag in Srinagar, insult India
Minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre will work in the nation's best interest.
General (Retd.) Singh, who was reacting to the arrest of separatist leader Masarat Alam, said the Indian government knows the law of this country and will do what is best for the nation.
"The government will work in accordance to that. Let Pakistan be happy if they are. Protests keep happening daily. So, it doesn't make a difference," he added.
Masarat was arrested earlier in the day in the case registered in Budgam police station in connection with the provocative actions during the rally in Srinagar on Wednesday.
(With agency inputs)
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