Srinagar, July 23: Speaking out for the first time since his recent arrest, veteran pro-freedom leader and Chairman Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, today endorsed the ongoing strikes and protest programmes given by the second-rung leaders of the Hurriyat.
In an exclusive chat with Greater Kashmir, Geelani, who is presently undergoing treatment at an ICU at SKIMS here, however, said that leaders who are presently at the helm shall not announce programmes which might cause hardships for people.
 “They have to strike a balance,” he said.
 Geelani voiced serious concern over the “role played by J&K Police during the ongoing agitation.”
 “They (J&K Police) have caused a colossal damage to the movement by targeting and killing peaceful protesters. They are trying to be more loyal than the king,” he said.
 On being asked about the impact on education by strikes, he said, people, mainly teachers, and lecturers shall volunteer themselves for educating students in their respective localities.
 “Classrooms shall be opened at local level across the Valley where educated people shall volunteer themselves as teachers,” he said.
 Geelani said the ongoing “Quit Kashmir campaign” was a part of the conglomerate demand that all troops should leave Kashmir.
 “Since 1947, we have been demanding withdrawal of Indian forces from Kashmir,” he asserted.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST