Srinagar, Aug 26: Senior separatist leader and Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani today said there would not be any shutdown on Friday.
 “The people should wear white dress and offer Friday prayers at centrally located Masajid. They should organize Qanoot-e-Nazla and enquire about the health of injured in hospitals and in their houses,” said Geelani, while addressing public at Gulshanabad, Hyderpora, here.
 Geelani expressed grief over the ‘torture killing’ of innocent student Umar Qayoom, accusing the armed forces including police of showing cruel and callous attitude towards people which he, said, “can’t be tolerated any more”.
 Geelani asked the police officers to give up their ‘anti-national’ attitude before becoming the target of peoples’ wrath and anger. “Our struggle is absolutely peaceful and there is no hand of Pakistan or any militant outfit behind it. Those protesting on roads do not carry any gun, grenade or other weapon. They are not being paid by anyone,” he said.
 Geelani said all the minorities including Sikhs were safe in Kashmir. He appealed to the Muslims to assure the minorities in their respective localities that they are safe and secure.
 Reacting to the Home Minister, P Chidambaram’s statement, he said, “We were never against talks. But when, on the one hand, there are talks about talks and, on the other hand, Kashmir is declared as an integral part, there remains nothing meaningful about the dialogue. Holding of talks will be a futile exercise until India gives up its stubbornness, proclaims Kashmir as a dispute, start the process of demilitarization, revoke all the draconian laws and release all the detainees unconditionally.”
 Surprised over the closure of Srinagar Airport, Geelani termed it torture to Kashmiris. “It can be tactic to keep the prevailing grim situation away from the view of outside world,” he said.   

Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
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