Srinagar, Aug 20: Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s health deteriorated Friday morning after he complained of breathlessness and acute pain in chest.
The veteran leader’s family told Greater Kashmir that doctors have diagnosed him suffering from acute bronchitis and advised complete rest. Due to illness, Geelani could not address a congregation at Sopur. As a precautionary measure, Geelani was placed under house arrest. However the cordon was lifted around his house in the evening today.
“Doctors are monitoring Geelani Sahib’s condition. He has not shown any signs of recovery yet,” Geelani’s son, Naseem told Greater Kashmir.
Geelani is not feeling well since he was booked under Public Safety Act and lodged in Chesmashahi sub-jail nearly two months ago. During his detention, Geelani developed complications and was admitted in SKIMS in the Intensive Care Unit. Though authorities released Geelani, his health has not shown any improvement. Last week he was again admitted in the SKIMS after he complained of breathlessness.
Geelani is suffering from various ailments and has undergone seven surgeries.

REJECTS SONIA’S STATEMENT
Earlier Geelani termed the Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s statement on Kashmir as Micavillein and Chanakyian politics.
He said if at all Sonia wants to restore the confidence of Kashmiri youth she should without further delay acknowledge the disputed status of Kashmir and announce a schedule for withdrawal of troops from the Valley.
“Otherwise opening her mouth after the killing of 60 youth could be safely deemed as Chanakyian politics the Indian rulers have been pursuing for the past 63 years vis-à-vis Kashmir and its people,” said Geelani, while delivering a telephonic address to the funeral procession of Mudasir Ahmad Hajam of Sopur.  “Kashmiris have never been India’s own people nor will they ever be,” he added.
“Sixty youth who were martyred in the past two months were neither wielding any gun nor any grenade. They were all innocent. Instead of expressing regret and upbraiding armed forces Sonia Gandhi shifted the blame on youth,” he added.
He also condemned the alleged desecration of Hazratbal Shrine and Jinab Sahab, Soura, and use of indiscriminate forces against the residents of these areas by the armed forces.
Geelani has reiterated his appeal to the youth to demonstrate the highest discipline and ensure that no vehicle or shop or passer-by is damaged, harmed or intimidated in any way on the relaxation day.
Geelani has appealed to the people of rural areas to collect relief in their respective areas and send it to cities and towns on August 21 and August 22. “Besides, people should also voluntarily undertake the work of cleanliness in these days,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:00:00 IST