Geelani calls for shutdown in Ganderbal, Bandipora on poll day GK NEWS NETWORK Srinagar, Nov 17: Chairman of Hurriyat Conference ( G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for shutdown in Bandipora and Ganderbal against the elections in the twin districts on November 25. In a statement, Geelani also urged people to register their protest against “ these manipulated elections, highhandedness of authorities and fresh arrest spree.” “ Kashmir is a disputed territory and India has no constitutional, moral or legitimate right over it for conducting these farce elections. I strongly condemn the continued arrest of resistance leaders. India with the dint of might has turned the state into a vast prison,” said Geelani. Hitting out at New Delhi, the Hurriyat ( G) chairman denounced its claim of “ being a big democracy.” “ The forthcoming elections are being held under the shadow of gun and Delhi is desperate to portray these elections as a routine exercise of their so- called democratic setup. There is no doubt that it is mere drama. These elections have lost their validity,” he said. He said the forces including police, CRPF and other armed personnel have created chaos and a sense of uncertainty in the state. “ People including, youth, elderly and all political workers have been put behind bars during recent arrest spree,” he said. Referring to recent killings in Chattergam, Handwara and Kulgam, Geelani said; “ The state forces are trigger happy as they are killing our youth on one pretext or other.” Elaborating, he said “ police stations are acting as torture cells and youth are being subjected to third degree torture.” He said in the prevailing situation, “ the people should not get swayed by pro- Indian politicians as they are hand- in glove with the killers. They cannot be our saviors as their hands are smeared with the blood of our innocent youth,” he said. He stressed on the youth to take active part in during door- to- door campaign against elections. “ They should make every member of society aware about demerits of participation in poll processes or casting vote in favor of any contesting candidate. We pin our hope on our youth, who in recent floods exhibited their valour and we are optimistic that they will become part of this mission and play their active role in campaign against election drama,” he said. “ Casting vote is synonymous with betrayal of blood of martyrs. We have to choose the mission of our martyrs and reject those opportunists following deceptive politics and bargaining blood of innocent Kashmiris,” he said. Meanwhile, Geelani expressed his deep grief over accidental death of daughter of Ghulam Mustafa, Tehsil president Tehreek- e- Hurriyat, and mother of Muhammad Ashraf Laya extending his condolence with the bereaved families
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:41:09 +0000