Protest ban imposed in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Oct 4 (AFP): Indian Kashmir imposed a one-month ban Saturday on public gatherings, the government said, in a move interpreted as a bid to scupper a planned rally by pro- independence separatists.
The order applied to gatherings of five or more in public spaces, a government statement said.
A committee spearheading recent protests against Indian rule had planned to hold a mass rally Monday in the main city of Srinagar.
Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has been placed under house arrest ahead of the proposed demonstration but other activists said they intended to march.