Hardline leader Asiya Andrabi arrested in Kashmir

Hardline separatist leader Asiya Andrabi was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police on Saturday.

Andrabi is a trusted lieutenant of separatist Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. She and fellow separatist leader Masarat Alam have been spearheading the protests in Srinagar.

Andrabi, who had been underground for some time, was one of the most wanted leaders in the Valley.

Kashmir has witnessed a vicious cycle of protests and civilian deaths in firing by security forces in the last few months. 

"Yes, we have got her. She was arrested from a hideout on the outskirts of Srinagar today afternoon," a senior police officer said.
 
The police have been raiding various hideouts during the last two months to arrest her.
 
Asiya heads the 'Dukhtarani Milat', a constituent of the All Parties' Hurriyat Conference, and she has been constantly changing her hideout to evade arrest.
 
The police are also raiding hideouts in Srinagar to arrest Bhat who had been issuing the 'protest calendars' in the absence of Geelani, who was under detention till recently.
 
After his release, Geelani has been issuing the weekly 'protest calendars'. On Saturday, the police foiled a march called by him in the city.
 
Authorities on Saturday imposed a strict curfew in Srinagar and Kupwara, Kunzar and Sopore in north Kashmir. Security forces have been deployed in Srinagar to enforce the curfew.

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