‘To offer prayers at Hazratbal, if allowed’
SRINAGAR: Octogenarian separatist leader and Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani has appealed to people in Kashmir valley to stage peaceful protests on Eid.
He has asked the people to protest against the secret execution of Mohammad Afzal Guroo and the recent killings and arrests of youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
The octogenarian leader also announced that he will offer Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine in outskirts of Srinagar.
In a statement issued here, Geelani said “Though Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a bid to mislead the world opinion, said that authorities should have informed Guru’s family before his execution, but the demand for return of his mortal remains was turned down.”
He further mentioned the “brutal killings” and deaths of Tahir Ahmad Sofi, Mudasir Kamran, Ubair Mushtaq, Tariq Ahmad Bhat, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Mohammud Yusuf Sofi, Hajra Begum, Riyaz Ahmad khanday, and Altaf Ahmad Wani “by security forces”.
He said the protests would be against the Markundal Sumbal episode (killing of two civilia youth by Army), desecration of Holy Quran in Gool Ramban and detention of political prisoners.
Syed Ali Geelani said that despite tall claims made by Omar Abdullah-led administration about peace and stability, “the killing of innocent continues unabated and state terrorism was at its peak.”
In his appeal, Geelani also stressed upon the people to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in a dignified and simple way.
“Keeping in view the present grave situation when with each passing day we shoulder the coffins of our near and dears, we should not ignore the fact that our youngsters are offering precious sacrifices for freedom within ambit of Islam,” he said.
