SRINAGAR: Police in Indian Kashmir on Wednesday arrested a leading separatist who has been spearheading months of protests in the disputed Muslim-majority region.

Syed Ali Geelani, who heads a hardline faction of the main separatist alliance, told reporters in Srinagar before he was taken away by police that "the struggle to achieve freedom from India will continue".

Government forces have struggled to contain almost three months of violent demonstrations by Muslim Kashmiris since the killing of a 17-year-old student by police on June 11.

A total of 69 protesters and bystanders have been killed, mostly by security forces who have used live ammunition on rallies after being pelted with stones.

Eighty-year-old Geelani`s influence has been strengthened by the unrest as each death boosts separatist anger, sending crowds pouring on to the streets at his command in defiance of strict curfew orders.

Last week he vowed to step up protests after Eid-ul-Fitr, the Muslim festival that will mark an end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on Friday or Saturday. Police gave no reason for his arrest.

BDST: 1723 HRS, September 08, 2010