Srinagar, Sept 10: Why have Kashmiris taken to streets? What should be their future strategy to achieve the right to self-determination? These questions have been comprehensively answered by the arrested chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani in his booklet ‘Sogwaran Ki Eid (Eid of bereaved).’
The 16-page booklet with pictures of some of youth and teenagers who fell to the bullets of troopers and cops has been released on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. Geelani traces the origin of Kashmir dispute and the impediments in its resolution and analyses the developments in the Valley since June 11.
“The Eid-ul-Fitr is approaching fast and being a Muslim majority state, it is a joyous moment for the Kashmiris who have been fighting for their rights since 1947. Over six lakh Kashmiris Muslims have sacrificed their lives for the just cause and the fight is still on. The resolution of the dispute has been facing ups and downs but Kashmiris are committed to achieve their goal come what may,” Geelani writes in the introductory paragraph.
However, the veteran leader minces no words in saying that the prevailing situation is serious. He maintains that the movement has reached a decisive phase and there is no scope for looking back or laxity.
On the ‘Quit Jammu and Kashmir Movement,’ Geelani states that the conglomerate launched it in 2009 with the demand of complete demilitarization of the State.
“Our allies and cadres managed to launch the movement in eight districts of the State. We even tried to mobilize the people of Muslim majority areas of Jammu, but at the same time, the troopers and cops intensified atrocities on Kashmiris. The troopers killed three civilians of Nadihal Rafiabad in a fake encounter for rewards. On June 11, the cops killed a teenager Tufial Ahmad Matoo and this triggered violent protests and shutdowns. I along with other leaders was arrested while on way to Kupwara and lodged in sub-jail Chesmashahi under PSA,” he writes.
On June 25, Geelani states that the conglomerate’s general secretary Masarat Alam released the protest calendar to press for demilitarization. The octogenarian leader states that the protest program and ‘Go India Go Back’ slogans received overwhelming support from the Valley besides Muslim majority areas of Jammu and Pakistan Administered Kashmir. “But to crush the movement , the CRPF, Rapid Action Force and cops used disproportionate force on the unarmed protesters resulting in nearly 70 killings and injuries to over 3000 people. At this crucial juncture, Kashmiris remained united and rendered unflinching sacrifices for the movement. I salute them from the core of my heart I also express gratitude to the pro-freedom parties who directly or indirectly supported our program,” he states.
Geelani acknowledges the inconvenience to the people who have been participating in the ‘Quit Jammu Kashmir Movement.’ Naming each section of the society from a street vendor to businessman, Geelani said Kashmiris stood as a nation for the cause. He cited various resistance movements around the world where people even defeated military might to achieve their rights.
Geelani says 40 percent of India’s population stands below poverty line and struggles to even have two square meals.
“India is facing various problems including Naxalism. One of India’s nuclear power neighbouring countries has accepted Kashmir as a dispute. It even debarred India’s Army general from visiting the country saying he was in-charge of the Army which operates in a disputed territory. So Kashmiris should not be disheartened. They should show patience,” he states.
“On my Eid message, I urge the pro-India parties and leaders to rise above politics and adopt a realistic approach, respect the aspirations of Kashmiris to play their role in resolving the dispute,” he states.
Rejecting self-rule, autonomy, status quo and soft borders as solution, Geelani maintains only demilitarization and right to self-determination can resolve the vexed dispute.
Advising people to control their emotions, Geelani urges them to maintain discipline during protests. “People should ensure that they should not shout any provocative slogans during protests. Now onwards, they should assemble in an open area in their respective localities to peacefully register their protests. No chance should be given to the troopers or cops to use force,” he said.
“Students are our future. We also need to streamline the community schools in respective areas so that they don’t suffer due to lack of education. Functioning of schools and colleges will harm the movement. If we allow the school to function, then buses will automatically ply and the shutdown will lose its relevance. The teachers should volunteer their services for the community schools,” he states.
Geelani urges people to strengthen the Baitul Maals to help the poor and under-privileged.
“As Muslims we should perform our religious duties by financially contributing to the Baitul Maals. We should also take care of the families of martyrs, injured and Kashmiris languishing in jails. At the same time, I appeal the shopkeepers and traders to desist from profiteering and black-marketing and honestly undertake the business activities,” he added.  He hailed the role of print and electronic media during the ongoing movement. “I hope they will continue to professionally highlight the truth and aware the world about the sufferings and denial of rights of Kashmiris,” he stated.
“Let us take a pledge to celebrate this Eid with austerity in view of killings of teenagers and youth. I hope the people will understand the gravity of the situation and continue to render support to the movement,” Geelani states.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 11 Sep 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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