Violence in valley-Post Masarat's arrest

Protesters fought pitched battles with security forces in the Kashmir Valley, injuring more than 24 people, on Friday following the arrest of hardline separatist Masarat Alam, charged with sedition and waging war against state. Separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat, arrested over raising pro-Pakistan slogans and hoisting Pakistan flags at a rally in Srinagar, was sent to seven-day police custody by a court in Budgam. Friday’s violent protests came after a long lull in the old city.