Srinagar, Aug. 28 -- Expressing serious concern over the fresh wave of "arbitrary arrests" of youth, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday condemned the use of force on Muharram processions by police in parts of the Valley.

In a statement issued here Friday, an APHC spokesperson condemned teargas shelling and aerial firing on a Muharram procession in Budgam, arrests of youth and imposing curbs in parts of Valley, including Srinagar, saying such harsh measures are in clear violation of the worldwide accepted democratic norms and principles.

"The sentiments of people especially youth can never be suppressed by the dint of force," the APHC spokesperson said, while maintaining that the "violation of...