Pulwama, Nov 20: Normal life was hit in this south Kashmir district on Friday as shops remained closed and vehicles off the roads in response to the strike called by Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against “the occupation of land and buildings by the troops.”
Hundreds of people assembled in the main chowk this afternoon and staged a demonstration demanding withdrawal of troops from the state. In the absence of Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who is undergoing treatment under police custody at a hospital, his lieutenant and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat acting General Secretary Peer Saifullah addressed the protesters, who later dispersed peacefully.
“Our stand regarding the solution of Kashmir issue is clear. We are not in favour of any kind of triangular dialogue with New Delhi or Islamabad. We maintain that Kashmir issue can be resolved only through United Nations resolution or tripartite talks,” Saifullah said.
Maintaining that the right to self-determination was the only solution to the vexed issue he said, “The geographical position of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to its pre 1947 position should be retained and there should be complete withdrawal of the troops. We want complete freedom from Indian and anything short of it would be a compromise.”
He also described the Kashmir problem as the biggest hurdle in the peace in South Asia. “Unless and until the Kashmir issue is resolved as per the aspirations of the people of the state peace in South Asia won’t prevail.”
Pertinently, following its district agitation program against the occupation of land by the troops Geelani had called for Pulwama shutdown today and was supposed to address the people here. But ahead of this he was detained by the police near the Government Medical College, Srinagar earlier this week.  However, many senior Hurriyat activists managed to reach Pulwama and addressed Friday congregations in various Masjids.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST