Srinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) Yasin Malik, the chairman of the pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, was arrested early Thursday, sparking off violent protests here.
Malik Wednesday launched his poll boycott campaign from the north Kashmir Hajin town.
Addressing a large gathering in the town, Malik urged the people to stay away from the polls, scheduled in the troubled state Nov 17 to Dec 24.
He was taken into custody from his residence in the Maisuma locality, a police officer said.
JKLF headquarter is also located in the same area.
The arrest of the JKLF chairman triggered violent protests in his neighbourhood in the city centre of this summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Shopkeepers downed their shutters in the area.
Police used tear smoke and baton charged the protesters, who were demanding Malik's release.
Jamiat Ahl-i-hadees chief Moulvi Showkat Ahmad Shah, who had accompanied Malik in his poll boycott campaign, has also been arrested, the police said.
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