Separatists fighting for common cause: Geelani
Says Ongoing Agitation A Turning Point
GK NEWS NETWORK


Srinagar, Aug 9: Stating that there was no difference among the pro-freedom leaders on taking the movement to its logical conclusion, the Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani Monday said the ongoing agitation was a turning point for the Kashmir cause.
“The ongoing agitation is a turning point for our freedom movement as the people are rendering tremendous support to the conglomerate’s program,” Geelani said in an interview with local news gathering agency KNS.
On a question about unification of separatists, Geelani explained that diverse political parties of India unite when there is a question of protecting their country. “Likewise, the pro-freedom parties of Kashmir are jointly fighting for the cause of Kashmir despite working under different banners,” he said.
Geelani exuded hope that the ongoing agitation will achieve its objective. “We will achieve success but for that Kashmiris have to show steadfastness and patience. It is imperative that the youth keep the protests non-violent, maintain discipline and don’t pay heed to rumours,” he said.
Geelani said that he would never change his stand on Kashmir. “If I change my stand, the people will instantly seize to support me as I represent their aspirations and sacrifices. I assure people that I will never change my stand and fight for right to self-determination till last drop of my blood,” he said.
Geelani said the UJC supremo, Syed Salah-u-Din, has played an important role in carrying forward the movement. “Whenever he gives any statement, it will be definitely for the benefit of Kashmir cause,” he said. Geelani maintained he has no contact with the Salah-u-Din for a long time.
He said by arbitrary arrests and harassment, New Delhi can’t suppress the sentiments of Kashmiris. “The movement has reached a crucial stage and Kashmiris have to remain aware of vested interests who are trying to defame our cause,” he said.
Geelani strongly condemned the continuous house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
“The authorities have also sealed the historic Jamia Masjid and not allowed congregational Friday prayers for six consecutive weeks. New Delhi deprives the Kashmiris from fulfilling our religious duties to suppress our cause,” he said.
“I have learnt that despite being ill, Yasin Malik is under arrest. This is a condemnable act by the police and authorities,” he said.
He demanded immediate release of Malik and other leaders including Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, General Moosa, the High Court Bar Association President Mian Abdul Qayoom, and its general secretary GN Shaheen.
On dialogue, Geelani said talks shouldn’t be for the sake of it. “The Hurriyat led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also held several rounds of talks. But they did not achieve anything. So it is futile for us to even think of indulging in talks,” he said.
However, he maintained that if New Delhi was serious, it should accept the disputed nature of Kashmir and release all political prisoners. “Unless the last Indian trooper leaves the state, our movement will continue. Kashmir issue has to be resolved according to the UN resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiris,” he maintained.


Lastupdate on : Mon, 9 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time

Dal Khalsa moved by Kashmir sufferings'

New Delhi: The Dal Khalsa has said the people of Punjab were moved by the sufferings of Kashmiris.
Speaking at a sit-in protest outside the Jantar Mantar on Saturday, its spokesman, Kanwarpal Singh said Dal Khalsa members participated to protest the unabated killings across the valley since June 11.
Accusing the GoI of ‘double standards’, Kanwarpal Singh praised the leadership of Hurriyat (G) chief, Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

monday 09 aug 2010

Maoists vow support to Kashmiri protests
Lastupdate at : Mon, 9 Aug 2010 10:08:43 IST
Nagpur: The central committee (CC) of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) has saluted the Kashmiri protesters for their resolve in securing their rights, a Times of India report said Monday.

Through a two-page release, the rebels have extended their 'revolutionary salute' or Inquilabi salaam to the Kashmiri protesters, criticising the use of force by the government to crush the resistance of the people, the report said.

In a scathing criticism on the role of the central and state governments, the Naxals have claimed that the enemy was the same, be it at Dandakaranya or Kashmir, Times of India said.

The naxals have also equated the stone throwing youths of Kashmir to the bow-and-arrow equipped tribals of Dandakaranya. The CC "believes that the Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris". It has also appealed to all to support the 'just national liberation struggle of the people of Kashmir', the Times of India report says.

The CC has lashed out at the media for distorting Kashmir's history. Naxals have also urged citizens across the length and breadth of the country to raise their voice against the 'heartless killing of youth' by the security forces.

They have also made an appeal to the activists and right bodies to demand the withdrawal of the forces from Kashmir. The rebels had made a similar demand several times in the Dandakaranya region in the past too.

The CC, along with the people's army and other revolutionary outfits, has vowed to continue supporting the valley protesters.

Curfew, strike, protests back
Shalteng Youth Laid To Rest, Toll 51; Prayers Offered On Roads At Many Places
GOWHAR BHAT/KHALID G

Srinagar, Aug 9: A complete shutdown was observed across the Valley on Monday as per the Hurriyat’s fresh protest programme even as downtown Srinagar and several towns and district headquarters remained locked down due to curfew.
Protests broke out in HMT in the city outskirts and its neighbouring pockets after last night’s death of a youth who was injured in police firing last week, taking the number of persons killed by police and CRPF in the valley since June 11 to 51.
Protesters raised pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, staging protests. They pelted stones on police and CRPF and the clashes continued intermittently throughout the day. The forces repeatedly cane charged the protesters who kept regrouping.
Fida Nabi, 17, son of Ghulam Nabi Lone of Umarabad, HMT Shalteng, was laid to rest at Martyrs' graveyard Iddgah in the wee hours on Monday. He was hit by a police bullet in his head when protests were going on at Qamarwari on August 3.
At Fida’s home, his mother Zahida wept inconsolably as she recounted how he had told her a week ago to drape his body in an Islamic flag and “not to weep in case I am martyred.”
“While youth were getting killed all across the Kashmir valley, he gave me the flag, and willed that Syed Ali Shah Geelani should lead his funeral prayers if he was martyred,” a shattered Zahida said.
Fida was working as a salesman to support his shopkeeper father. Family members say he was playing carom outside his home when suddenly a passing by funeral procession of a youth drew his attention. “He couldn’t control his emotions and joined the funeral procession, which was dispersed by unprovoked firing by CRPF troops and police near HMT,” a relative said.
In downtown, police and paramilitary CRPF men were deployed in large numbers as they imposed restrictions and didn’t allow people to venture out of their homes. Most of the roads and streets were barricaded by concertina wires to check pedestrian and vehicular movement. The situation in the uptown areas was relatively relaxed. A thin movement of pedestrians as well as private vehicles was witnessed during the day.
Hurriyat Conference (G), as per its protest calendar had asked people to stage sit-in protests during the day and offer prayers on roads. However, the protest plan was foiled by restrictions. In the evening, as the deployment of police and CRPF was withdrawn, protests broke out at several places in downtown including Nowpora, Khanyar, Rainawari and other localities. Witnesses said protesters hurled stones at forces who hurled them back using sling shots.

SOUTH KASHMIR:
Curfew-like restrictions prevailed in all South Kashmir towns even as reports of people offering prayers on the roads were received from many areas. In old town Islamabad police and paramilitary CRPF men were deployed in strength and the movement of people was restricted. Though only Section 144 was imposed by the authorities but the residents of Cheeni Chowk, Malakhnag, Reeshi Bazar, Lal Chowk and Kadipora alleged that police and CRPF didn’t allow them to move out. However, in the civil line areas of Khanabal-Pahalgam (K.P) Road there were no such restrictions as people offered Zuhar, Asar and Magrib prayers on roads in Khanabal and Naibasti areas and also staged pro-freedom demonstrations.
Reports of people offering prayers on the roads were also received from the adjoining areas of Achabal and Arwani.
Restrictions were also imposed in Kulgam town also with reports of prayers being offered on the roads in Qaimoh, Rampur, Khudwani and Redwani areas.
In Pulwama and Kakpora strict restrictions were put in place with reports of pro-freedom demonstrations and prayers on the roads pouring in from many areas of the district. In Pampore, Wachi and Tral also people staged pro-freedom demonstrations and held prayers on the roads.
Massive pro-freedom demonstrations rocked the Shopian town also. People in large numbers offered Zuhar, Asar and Maghrib prayers outside the Jamia-Masjid. After every prayer people marched through the streets of the town amid pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.
Reports of clashes between police and CRPF men were received from many areas of Islamabad and Pulwama towns late in the evening when the restrictions were eased.

NORTH KASHMIR:
Curfew-like restrictions remained in place in the North Kashmir towns of Varmul, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Bandipora as prohibitory orders under Section 144 remained in place.
Police Curfew, strike, protests back
Shalteng Youth Laid To Rest, Toll 51; Prayers Offered On Roads At Many Places
GOWHAR BHAT/KHALID GUL
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Srinagar, Aug 9: A complete shutdown was observed across the Valley on Monday as per the Hurriyat’s fresh protest programme even as downtown Srinagar and several towns and district headquarters remained locked down due to curfew.
Protests broke out in HMT in the city outskirts and its neighbouring pockets after last night’s death of a youth who was injured in police firing last week, taking the number of persons killed by police and CRPF in the valley since June 11 to 51.
Protesters raised pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, staging protests. They pelted stones on police and CRPF and the clashes continued intermittently throughout the day. The forces repeatedly cane charged the protesters who kept regrouping.
Fida Nabi, 17, son of Ghulam Nabi Lone of Umarabad, HMT Shalteng, was laid to rest at Martyrs' graveyard Iddgah in the wee hours on Monday. He was hit by a police bullet in his head when protests were going on at Qamarwari on August 3.
At Fida’s home, his mother Zahida wept inconsolably as she recounted how he had told her a week ago to drape his body in an Islamic flag and “not to weep in case I am martyred.”
“While youth were getting killed all across the Kashmir valley, he gave me the flag, and willed that Syed Ali Shah Geelani should lead his funeral prayers if he was martyred,” a shattered Zahida said.
Fida was working as a salesman to support his shopkeeper father. Family members say he was playing carom outside his home when suddenly a passing by funeral procession of a youth drew his attention. “He couldn’t control his emotions and joined the funeral procession, which was dispersed by unprovoked firing by CRPF troops and police near HMT,” a relative said.
In downtown, police and paramilitary CRPF men were deployed in large numbers as they imposed restrictions and didn’t allow people to venture out of their homes. Most of the roads and streets were barricaded by concertina wires to check pedestrian and vehicular movement. The situation in the uptown areas was relatively relaxed. A thin movement of pedestrians as well as private vehicles was witnessed during the day.
Hurriyat Conference (G), as per its protest calendar had asked people to stage sit-in protests during the day and offer prayers on roads. However, the protest plan was foiled by restrictions. In the evening, as the deployment of police and CRPF was withdrawn, protests broke out at several places in downtown including Nowpora, Khanyar, Rainawari and other localities. Witnesses said protesters hurled stones at forces who hurled them back using sling shots.

SOUTH KASHMIR:
Curfew-like restrictions prevailed in all South Kashmir towns even as reports of people offering prayers on the roads were received from many areas. In old town Islamabad police and paramilitary CRPF men were deployed in strength and the movement of people was restricted. Though only Section 144 was imposed by the authorities but the residents of Cheeni Chowk, Malakhnag, Reeshi Bazar, Lal Chowk and Kadipora alleged that police and CRPF didn’t allow them to move out. However, in the civil line areas of Khanabal-Pahalgam (K.P) Road there were no such restrictions as people offered Zuhar, Asar and Magrib prayers on roads in Khanabal and Naibasti areas and also staged pro-freedom demonstrations.
Reports of people offering prayers on the roads were also received from the adjoining areas of Achabal and Arwani.
Restrictions were also imposed in Kulgam town also with reports of prayers being offered on the roads in Qaimoh, Rampur, Khudwani and Redwani areas.
In Pulwama and Kakpora strict restrictions were put in place with reports of pro-freedom demonstrations and prayers on the roads pouring in from many areas of the district. In Pampore, Wachi and Tral also people staged pro-freedom demonstrations and held prayers on the roads.
Massive pro-freedom demonstrations rocked the Shopian town also. People in large numbers offered Zuhar, Asar and Maghrib prayers outside the Jamia-Masjid. After every prayer people marched through the streets of the town amid pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.
Reports of clashes between police and CRPF men were received from many areas of Islamabad and Pulwama towns late in the evening when the restrictions were eased.

NORTH KASHMIR:
Curfew-like restrictions remained in place in the North Kashmir towns of Varmul, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Bandipora as prohibitory orders under Section 144 remained in place.
Police and CRPF blocked roads and streets at several points by erecting barricades.
The old town Varmul, which has been the hub of pro-freedom protests, police and CRPF blocked all the three bridges linking old town with the civil lines areas.
Protests broke out on Cement Bridge and Azad Gunj Bridge after police didn’t allow people to cross the bridges.
The forces restricted people of the old town areas and didn’t allow them to move towards civil lines where officials were holding the District Development Board meeting.
In Safapora and Naidkhai, people came out in large numbers, staged protests and offered day prayers on the roads.
Reports from Bandipora said protests were also held at Papchan, Kanosa, Saderkoot Bala and other localities after people offered congregational prayers.
The Kupwara and Handwara towns remained locked down due to the strike call and restrictions.

CRPF blocked roads and streets at several points by erecting barricades.
The old town Varmul, which has been the hub of pro-freedom protests, police and CRPF blocked all the three bridges linking old town with the civil lines areas.
Protests broke out on Cement Bridge and Azad Gunj Bridge after police didn’t allow people to cross the bridges.
The forces restricted people of the old town areas and didn’t allow them to move towards civil lines where officials were holding the District Development Board meeting.
In Safapora and Naidkhai, people came out in large numbers, staged protests and offered day prayers on the roads.
Reports from Bandipora said protests were also held at Papchan, Kanosa, Saderkoot Bala and other localities after people offered congregational prayers.
The Kupwara and Handwara towns remained locked down due to the strike call and restrictions.

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

Take to streets: Salahuddin to people
Srinagar, Aug 4: The Chairman of United Jehad Council, Syed Salahuddin, on Wednesday called on the people to take to the streets and stage protests.
“The Kashmir movement has entered into a decisive phase. I urge people to come out on roads and stage protests,” Salahuddin said in a telephonic address at Pampore.
During his address Saluhuddin said that sacrifices of martyrs would be safeguarded at any cost. He asked the police to stop “atrocities” on Kashmiris.
“If their conscience is alive, then they should refrain from unleashing terror” the KMN quoted Salahuddin as having said.

Geelani rises against violent protests
Not Averse To Talks; Official, Unofficial Emissaries Met Me During Detention
GK NEWS NETWORK


Srinagar, Aug 4: In a significant move, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani Wednesday came out openly against the current violence in Kashmir, saying “the agitators burning public properties are damaging the movement.”
80-year-old Geelani’s appeal came in the backdrop of the unabated protests in the Valley in which 46 people, mostly youth, have died since June 11 this year.
He said those indulging in stone pelting, burning offices, railway stations and vehicles “did not belong to the Kashmir movement” and were only causing harm to it.
“These violent acts are not helping our cause but inflicting damage to the movement. Our struggle against India should be peaceful. I appeal the people especially youth to stage peaceful protests and take to the ground if confronted by the troopers,” Geelani said, at a news conference at his Hyderpora residence, after being released today.
He, however, said that the ongoing violent protests are a reaction to oppression and brutality let loose by the government on Kashmiris, “but arson and other subversive acts are not part of the ongoing movement.” ”We should sit and devise the ways for taking the movement peacefully to its logical conclusion. When we resort to violence, India portrays it negatively before the world and in no way we should indulge in violence and continue the movement in a peaceful way to tell the world that we are an oppressed lot. We are unarmed and don’t have gun, grenade or weapon to fight with the troopers but our 50 innocent youth were killed by troopers,” he said.
About the deployment of more forces in Kashmir, Geelani said that it seems India has waged a war against any other country.
“India has accepted defeat by deploying more troopers despite presence of eight lakh troopers and paramilitary forces here. India has failed to crush the sentiment by using different tactics in the past 63 years,” he said, adding that the ongoing struggle is not for economic packages, roads and jobs.
“We want complete demilitarisation and we started the campaign from Shopian in 2009 and ‘Go India Go back’ is part of the same campaign.” he said.
He said that Devinder Singh Rana, political adviser of the chief minister Omar Abdullah met him during his confinement at Cheshmashahi sub-jail without his (Geelani’s) permission. “I told him (Rana) that we have nothing to do with the pro-India politicians whether Omar Abdullah, PDP or Congress. They are all same before us, who implement Indian policies in Kashmir, and it is in fact Delhi that rules the state. It was evident from the press conference of a National Conference minister who expressed helplessness before CRPF,” Geelani said and added that he told Rana: “I am fighting for the cause of self-determination.”
He said that Admiral Nair, Professor Amitabh Matoo and Professor Radha Kumar also met him during his confinement and discussed the current situation with him.
Geelani said that he told delegation that he is not averse to talks, but India should accept Kashmir as a disputed territory, revoke draconian laws and release all the political prisoners first.
“We are not against talks but India never showed sincerity but bowed trumpet of dialogue always to befool international community,” he said.
Condemning the silence of world bodies including United Nations on human rights violations in state, Geelani said that international community should increase pressure on India to stop genocide of Kashmiri and solve Kashmir in accordance with the aspirations of people.
Relying to a query Geelani said that it is necessary for chalking out programme that Hurriyat leaders should meet and consult each other. “But troopers are after them and leaders cannot consult each other. The imposition of curfew and undeclared is causing more damage to people,” he added. Meanwhile, Geelani in the evening addressed the mourners at Chanapora in uptown Srinagar where a youth namely Muhammad Iqbal Khan injured in police action July 30 succumbed.