J&K: Geelani appeals for clam, Omar lashes out

In a video appeal posted on YouTube, the leader said: "There are reports of Sopore traders being asked to shut shops in Handwara and Kupwara being troubled. This is disagreeable and is against the philosophy of Islam and our nation."

According to reports, groups of youth on Thursday in Baramulla  district had stripped and thrashed voters from Kupwara district which saw a high voter turnout on Wednesday.

Reports said traders from Sopore were on Friday asked to shut down their shops in Kupwara.

Geelani said: "The voting process was over and we must live like brothers and must not indulge in activities that can lead to a civil war."

He said: "Such acts would help India's designs on Kashmir and I appeal to all the people, especially youth, to refrain from such acts and live in peace."

The resistance leader, who is under house arrest since his return from New Delhi in April, said: "I hope everyone listens to my appeal and may Allah help us to come out of the oppression."

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir, Ghulam Hassan Bhat told IBNS: "We have arrested three people in this connection and we hope that more arrests will be done soon."

On the other hand, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minster Omar Abdullah on Friday condemned the incident on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"First things first - the gangs moving around trying to terrorise those who voted will not be tolerated," tweeted Omar.

"Can't have freedom to choose not to vote without allowing allowing people who want to vote a similar choice," he said.

"Action will be taken against anyone found trying to terrorise voters & the police have been instructed accordingly," he posted.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)