Srinagar, Sept 10: The arrest of veteran separatist leader and Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani has evoked severe condemnation from various political organizations. 

 Geelani was arrested on Wednesday by the police from his Hyderpora residence here.

 Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (R) senior vice-chairman, Javid Ahmad Mir, while condemning the arrest terming it unjustified and undemocratic. Mir was addressing a condolence meeting at Eidgah here on the 15th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed-e-Sahafat, Mushtaq Ali.  

 Mir, according to Front, said, “India, on one hand, is blowing the trumpet of talks and, on the other, continues to pursue its traditional rigid policy on Kashmir issue.” He alleged that the arrest of youth by the police had beaten all previous records. 

 Felicitating the people on Eid-ul-Fitr, Mir appealed them to celebrate the festival with austerity. 

 Condemning Geelani’s arrest, J&K Peoples’ League chairman, Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopuri has termed it government’s frustration. 

 Sopuri, appealed to the people to strictly adhere to the protest programmes announced by Geelani under “Quit Jammu Kashmir Movement”.  He asked India to give up stubbornness and take immediate steps for complete demilitarization of J&K. 

 Meanwhile, J&K Peoples’ Freedom League general secretary, Muhammad Rafiq Ganai has also condemned Geelani’s and other pro-movement leaders and youths’ arrest. Felicitating people on Eid-ul-Fitr, Ganai urged them to observe austerity while celebrating the occasion. 

 Meanwhile, the Awami National Conference senior vice-president, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah has also condemned Geelani’s arrest, saying it was evident that the government was not serious about the dialogue.
 Muslim League Jammu Kashmir has also condemned the continued detention of Geelani, terming it government’s frustration.

 Extending Eid greetings, League spokesman appealed to the people not to forget the families of those who were martyred or have been arrested, while celebrating the auspicious occasion. 

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