Srinagar, May 31: Expressing grave concern over the Machil encounter, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has demanded international probe into innocent killings and the discovery of a mass grave at Kulgam in south Kashmir. Regarding Machil encounter in which three civilians of Nadihal were killed, Geelani alleged that the armed forces in Kashmir were carrying out genocide of Muslims under a premeditated plan. He alleged that the blood of Kashmiris was being shed mercilessly and the international community had become a mute spectator to it. “The situation in the region has become very grim and volatile and the life of civilians is insecure in Kashmir,” he said, according to a Hurriyat statement.
Commenting on the human skeletons found in Kulgam, Geelani said, “The discovery of these skeletons has further strengthened the apprehensions about over 10,000 disappeared persons. There seems a close connection between the uncovering of nameless graves and disappeared persons.”
 Geelani appealed the International community to take cognizance of the matter and initiate necessary action on it as it had done in case of Bosnia mass graves, adding that the troopers involved in the war crimes should be tried in the International Court of Justice. “Hurriyat will dispatch a written memorandum to the International Court of Justice and appeal to the heads of all friendly countries including Pakistan to highlight the issue and extend support to the oppressed Kashmiris in getting them justice,” he said.
 Geelani reiterated his appeal to Jammu Kashmir Bar Association to file public interest litigation (PIL) on Machil encounter and discovery of mass grave at Kulgam and play effective role in exposing the perpetrators of these crimes.
 Meanwhile, Geelani alleged that anti-Islamic books and subjects were being taught at the some schools at Taratpora, Handwara, in border district of Kupwara.
GEELANI RELEASED
 Court on Monday granted bail to Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah and directed the police to release him.
 The ailing Geelani, was taken into preventive detention on Friday and was later admitted in SKIMS, Soura.
 In a statement issued here the spokesperson of Hurriyat (G) Ayaz Akbar said an executive magistrate granted bail to Geelani. The orders were furnished to the Central Jail authorities through Advocate Shabir Ahmad and Advocate Bilal Ahmad. In compliance to court orders, police released Geelani, he said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST