Geelani takes charge, issues protest program
‘Won’t Accept Anything Less Than Plebiscite’ARIF SHAFI WANI
Srinagar, Aug 7: For the first time since the launch of ‘Quit Jammu & Kashmir Movement’ on June 25, the Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Saturday announced a fresh protest program, saying he won’t accept any other solution to Kashmir other than right to self-determination.
The week-long protest calendar comprises of strikes, sit-ins, protests, marches and a respite of one and a half day. When Geelani was behind bars, the protest calendar was usually announced by the Hurriyat (G) general secretary Masarat Alam.
Geelani had a few days ago maintained that Masarat will be announcing the protest programs. Hurriyat insiders say the veteran leader decided to himself announce the program following the statement of Home Minister, P Chidambram, that the veteran leader had “softened” his stand.
Apparently elated by Geelani’s appeal to youth not to pelt stones and stage peaceful protests, Chidambaram even extended talks offer to him.
However Geelani instantly rejected the offer. In a hurriedly called press conference today, Geelani not only announced the fresh protest program but in his typical style came down heavily on New Delhi and maintained that he will settle for no solution other than the right to self-determination to Kashmiris.
Geelani said there will be complete shutdown on Monday, August 9, and Tuesday, August 10. He urged people to march to Pampore on Wednesday, August 11, with photographs of the youth of the respective localities who were killed either by police or troopers since June 11.
“On Monday people should offer Zuhr, Asar and Magrib prayers on streets and chant Go India Go. On Tuesday, people should write Go India Go on face book and other social networking sites,” he said.
He said there will be shutdown till 12 noon on Thursday, August 12, on the eve of Ramadan, urging people to offer special prayers for martyrs. On Friday, August 13, Geelani called for shutdown and urged people of Srinagar to assemble at Pathar Masjid and Barzulla and asked people of other districts to stage protests at respective tehsil headquarters. However, he said there will be no shutdown on Saturday, August 14, and urged people to celebrate Pakistan Day. On Sunday, August 15, he asked the people to observe it as a ‘Black Day.’
Geelani acknowledged inconvenience to the people due to strikes but maintained it was necessary for carrying forward the movement. “I urge people not to hinder the movement of ambulances or vehicles of people who are on some emergency jobs,” he said urging people to keep the protests peaceful.
Geelani accused the JK Police of harassing the youth. “The role of police has been more brutal than the CRPF. The policemen arrest the youth and release them after taking hefty amounts from their parents. I want to maintain that we don’t want to target our own people. The policemen are part of our society and their fate has to be with Kashmiris. It is high time for them to change their attitude and behave humanely,” he said.
Citing recent killings in Sopur and Pulwama, Geelani said the troopers were using disproportionate force on peaceful protesters. “I have learnt when Rameez Ahmad who was critically injured in troopers’ firing was ruthlessly beaten at a Police Station before being admitted to hospital. Besides, one of our senior activists, Muhammad Yousuf Lone, who was leading a peaceful sit-in, was fired upon. These are glaring examples of state terrorism,” he said.
He lashed out at New Delhi-based channels for what he said “manufacturing bundle of lies.” “The channels claim that I have entered into some sort of deal with the Government. It is nothing but a figment of their imagination,” he said.
He expressed grief over the deaths in a cloud burst in Leh. He also condoled the deaths in flash floods in Pakistan and Pakistan Administered Kashmir.
Hurriyat (G) Calender
MON/TUE (AUG 9/10) : SHUTDOWN
WEDNESDAY (AUG 11) : STRIKE, PAMPORE CHALO
THURSDAY (AUG 12) : STRIKE TILL 12 NOON
FRIDAY (AUG 13) : SHUTDOWN, PROTESTS
SATURDAY (AUG 14) : NO STRIKE
SUNDAY (AUG 15) : STRIKE
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