Kashmir separatist rally denied

The government in Indian-administered Kashmir has said separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani cannot hold a rally in the state's summer capital, Srinagar.

Mr Geelani has called for a strike to protest at the decision to stop his supporters from marching this Saturday.

Srinagar's district magistrate said the timing of the rally could stir unrest.

Mr Geelani leads a pro-Pakistan faction of the main separatist alliance, which opposes bilateral peace talks with Delhi to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

He claims Indian officials blocked his plans for a rally because they fear thousands could answer the call to march.

However, district magistrate Shailendra Kumar told the BBC the rally was cancelled because it coincided with the anniversary of the destruction of a historic mosque by a Hindu mob in the north Indian town of Ayodhya.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service