Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case against Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, charging him with attempt to murder and stone-pelting.

Geelani had gone to north Kashmir on April 6, where he addressed a gathering after offering Friday prayers. It was his first address after his return from New Delhi. Since then Geelani has not been allowed to address any gathering.

The police FIR said that during his speech, Geelani "provoked and instigated people against the State".

"He has been booked under section 307 for an attempt to murder a policeman and section 336 for involvement in stone-pelting," police said.

Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar described the FIR against Geelani as hilarious. "We are asking them whom did he attempt to murder. And on who did he pelt with stones," Akbar said.

Police had deputed a team, along with a photographer, to the spot where Geelani had addressed the rally. "The team was sent to assess the situation," police said.

"Soon after the Friday prayers, Geelani and his close confidantes addressed a gathering of around 500 people. They provoked people against the State and their speech was anti-State," the police said.

Moreover, the police added that Geelani stated: "Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is illegal and we will continue with our struggle for freedom."

The police said his speech caused hatred among masses against the State. A senior official informed that the case has been filed about a particular incident in which a policeman was assaulted that day and the mob pelted stones.

"We have so far questioned 20 persons in this case. The investigation is going on and whosoever will be found involved in stone pelting and assaulting policeman they will be dealt with according to law," he said.

Interestingly, for the past several years, Geelani has been urging the youth to refrain from stone pelting.