Srinagar, July 16: The Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani on Friday announced 9-day protest program which includes complete shut down on Sunday, protests by employees on Monday and sit-in to be observed by people across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday and Thursday.
“There will be relaxation on Saturday till 2 pm. All educational institutions, government and private offices and shops would remain open till afternoon but people should ensure to visit their neighbours and inquire about the availability of essentials. After 2 pm students from schools, colleges and universities should observe peaceful protests against the killings across the Valley to express sympathy with the bereaved families,” said senior Hurriyat leader Peer Saifullah after Friday prayers at Galwanpora, Hyderpora, here while announcing the program. “I announce the program as the spokesman of the Hurriyat Conference led Syed Ali Geelani,” he said.
“There will be a complete shutdown on Sunday against the atrocities committed on Kashmiris and after each prayer people should raise pro-freedom slogans as part of Quit Kashmir Movement announced earlier,” he said.
 On Monday, Peer urged government employees to peacefully protests against the “human rights violation being committed on Kashmiris.” The Hurriyat, Peer said, urges employees and their union leaders to participate in the program.
 “We reject quiet diplomacy and any move which is against the aspirations of Kashmiris. We want complete independence. Hurriyat is for right to self-determination as promised to Kashmiris,” he said.
 Peer urged people to observe Tuesday, July 20, as “Day of Solidarity” with the Kashmiri youth and leaders including Geelani who have been put behind bars. “We will continue with peaceful protests till our goal is achieved.”
 People have been asked to come out on roads on Wednesday and Thursday and hold peaceful sit-in.
 “People should raise their voices to apprise the UN, the OIC and Pakistan government that Kashmiris are being suppressed. We can’t forget tragic incidents like Shopian,” Peer said.
 “We are not for autonomy, self-rule or softening of borders. We ask Prime Minister of India to fulfil the promise of right to self-determination promised by Indian politicians with Kashmiris.”
 On Friday people have been asked to hold peaceful protests after prayers at district level outside Masjids and at district headquarters and in Srinagar they have been urged to march towards Khanqah-e-Moulla in old city here.
 “Doctors and lawyers should hold protests against the random arrests on Saturday,” Peer said.
 There would be relaxation for whole day on Sunday, Peer said, adding people from villages are urged to help their urban brethren by arranging vegetables and other essentials for them on the day.
 Meanwhile, the Dukhtaran-e-Millat led by its Chairperson Aasiya Andrabi has supported the protest program given by the Hurriyat (G) and urged people to make it a success.
 In a statement, the Dukhtaran chief asked people to set up relief committees at Mohalla level and urged people to contribute for it whole-heartedly.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST