Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday said it has arrested 13 persons including two instigators who shouted pro-‘azadi’ slogans during the Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid here. The police alleged a Pakistani angle to the protests. “During initial investigation (we learnt that) instructions had come from Pakistani handlers of terror outfits to disrupt the Friday prayers and create a law and order situation,” Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Balwal said in a statement. The historical mosque in Srinagar’s old city was opened for prayers only last month after remaining shut for almost two years. After the sloganeering, the police registered a case of sedition and criminal trespass. “After the prayers, about a dozen persons shouted anti-national and provocative slogans for a while. .. Most of the gathering remained aloof. Volunteers of the managing committee tried to stop the sloganeering and hooliganism, leading to clashes,” a police officer said. Two of the instigators were later arrested. They were identified as Basharat Nabi Bhat and Umar Manzoor. Eleven more people were subsequently arrested, Balwal said. Police said any attempt at disrupting peace will be viewed very seriously and strictest action will be taken. UNI MJR MR
