Srinagar, Nov 3: The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Wednesday reiterated conglomerate’s civil curfew call for November 6,7 and 8th to mark the death anniversary of the Muslims who were massacred in Jammu in 1947.

 In a statement, Geelani also asked the people to stage peaceful demonstrations after Friday prayers against the arrests of youth and pro-freedom activists across the Valley. “Massacre of Jammu Muslims in 1947 is a tragic chapter in our history. It is ironical that the international community did not take much notice of the massacre. However, it is more painful that we as a nation have also forgotten the massacre as if nothing had happened,” Geelani said.

 Heelani said the holocaust proved to be a turning point in the movement of Jews and laid foundation of a new nation. “At a time when the Kashmir is at the spotlight of the international community, it is our responsibility to highlight the dispute in its historical perspective and recall the massacres and atrocities committed by India to suppress our right to self-determination,” Geelani said.
 On the visit of US president Barrack Obama to India, Geelani said Kashmiris should make it clear that unless the Kashmir dispute is resolved according to their aspirations, peace and prosperity will continue to elude south Asia. “We want to maintain that Kashmir dispute is as serious as Palestine. Kashmiris will continue to fight for their rights come what may,” he said.

 Condemning the arrests of youth and pro-freedom leaders, Geelani urged the people to stage peaceful protests for an hour after Friday prayers. “We know the significance of Friday but at the same time our religion does not allow us to act as mute spectators to the atrocities on them. Geelani said Islam teaches us to use the congregational prayers including on Eids and Fridays for resolving the problems of the people,” he said.

 Geelani strongly condemned the Government’s move to impose restriction of congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid. “This is an act of sheer state terrorism and I condemn it in unequivocal terms. By imposing curbs of prayers at Jamia the Government is testing the patience of Muslims and interfering into our religious affairs,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Nov 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Nov 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 4 Nov 2010 00:00:00 IST