Geelani resolves to continue freedom struggle. Hurriyat (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani Thursday called for a complete shut down onJune 25 against the Kashmir visit of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi. He added that the strike call has also been given to protest the lack of political space to pro-freedom leaders, demand for mortal remains of Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Bhat back to the Valley and curtailment in the number of Yatra days and daily arrival of Yatris in the annual Amarnath Yatra. Addressing a press conference at Hyderpora Sinagar, Geelani said “India has not shown any flexibility towards resolution of Kashmir dispute and with the help of its troops, continues to illegally occupy thousands of kanals of land and is encroaching upon agricultural land. Kashmiri has been turned into a garrison.” "I appeal to the people of the state to observe a complete general strike on the day the Prime Minister arrives here. The strike will be observed to remind Government of India and the world that Kashmir is a dispute pending a resolution,” he said. While reiterating that development works and schemes like ‘Umeed’ and ‘Udaan’ can’t substitute for the right to self determination of Kashmiris, Geelani said that prior to his visit, PM should read the “writing of actuality on the wall.” “We call for a complete shutdown on June 25 to carry out a strong message to the Indian premier that forced occupation, uncontrolled tyranny and development works can’t make up for the lakhs of sacrifices Kashmiris have offered for the last 65 years,” Geelani told media persons here. Demanding that the Yatra days and the daily arrivals in the annual Amarnath Yatra should be curtailed, Geelani said that the Yatra should be conducted on Gangotri pattern where only 150 pilgrims are allowed to perform religious duties on daily basis. The Hurriyat (G) chairman said that the Yatra days for this year’s pilgrimage have been increased to 55. Moreover, he added that the fragile environment in Kashmir is likely to take a hit as more than 9 lakhs pilgrims are likely to undertake the pilgrimage this year. Reiterating that the Yatra should be conducted within15 or 20 days and the daily inflow should be restrained, Geelani asserted “The fragile environment is Kashmir is likely to suffer the burden of more than 16,000 Yatris a day this year.” Maintaining that the affairs of the Yatra should be handed back over to Kashmiri Pandits, Geelani said that vested interests are bent on painting the Yatra on sectarian and communal lines to “discredit the freedom struggle of Kashmiris.” The hospitality of Kashmiris, the aged leader noted has been the hallmark of Kashmiri culture for centuries now. “Now somebody is trying to create a ‘weightless’ ruckus about the security scenario of the Yatra. But they should know that Kashmiris, even during the disturbed economic blockade period of 2008, have not disrupted the pilgrimage for the 150 years,” said Geelani. On the Operation Shiva Army has launched for safeguarding the Yatris, Geelani, while recalling the 2000 Chattisingpora massacre of Sikhs, said that it (Operation Shiva) is only aimed for maligning the freedom struggle of Kashmiris. “We resolve to continue the ongoing freedom struggle till last Indian soldier does not leave Kashmir. We want complete withdrawal of troops from Jammu and Kashmir. Indian leadership should bear in mind that they cannot keep the Kashmir under the chains of suppression by virtue of power,” Geelani said. “Unless and until they accept Kashmir as a dispute, agree to withdrawal of troops, revoke black laws and release all the prisoners, neither is there any possibility of dialogue nor can the talks succeed in achieving anything”, he said adding “They should bring to book all police and CRPF personnel responsible for killing 125 youth during 2010 agitation, file FIRs and produce them before courts to indicate that they are ready to stop human rights violations. That alone can pave way for a meaningful dialogue”, the octogenarian leader said. He accused Government of India of double standards as far as its dealings with Kashmir are concerned. “On one hand they continue to rule through the barrel of gun and violate human rights while as on the other hand they talk of dialogue. Rejecting elections as an option or alternative for aspirations of Kashmiri people, the Hurriyat Chairman appealed people to stay away from electoral process. “We have always appealed people not to wash away the sacrifices offered by them day in and day out by taking part in elections. India should not be given the opportunity to exploit elections on the international forums by showcasing them as people’s verdict. As far as problems faced by people are concerned, what problems have been solved since 2008? Government of India is trying to ‘corrupt’ people here through scholarships, incentives and other such material means”, he said adding “Six lakh lives have been sacrificed and sacrifices are going on. People should keep them in mind”. He said New Delhi executed the founder of JKLF Shaheed Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and Mohammad Afzal Guroo and the height of tyranny is that Afzal was even not allowed to meet his family before his execution. “The tall claims of India proves hoax and we have witnessed how our people were stopped from distributing relief in Chenab Valley,” he said. Geelani said Kashmir is not a border dispute between India and Pakistan which could be solved by the rulers of the two countries. “Pakistan is a party to the dispute and has been supporting as well as sacrificing for our demand for right to self determination. We appeal them to support J&K people on the basis of UN resolution. Pakistani leaders must take notice of state terrorism and take a stand against it,” he said. Lamenting lack of space and imposition of harsh restriction on Hurriyat leader’s movement, Geelani said that 3 Kashmiris have been pronounced death sentences while as 48 Hurriyat leaders have been awarded life imprisonments. “There is excessive use of force by security forces and police here. More than 15,000 youth have been arrested since 2008 unrest. Out of the 98 booked under PSA, three have died in custody,” said Geelani. Before the Indian premier arrives here, Geelani said that Kashmiris are firm in their demand of mortal remains of Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Bhat back to their home. “The PM should also get to know that Kashmiri youth are coming forward in good numbers to shoulder the responsibility of freedom struggle. He should also know that highly qualified youth are now laying down their lives for their cause,” concluded Geelani. (CNS#e3#
Posted on: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 15:35:34 +0000
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