Srinagar, Jan 10: Stating that India was ‘frustrated’ by the non-violent movement in Kashmir, the Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday accused New Delhi of trying hard to push the Kashmiri youth towards violence for paving way to suppress the struggle through its military might.
The veteran leader gave a state-wide shutdown call on January 15, Saturday, to protest against the arrests of youth and crackdown on Hurriyat (G).
“The youth are disgruntled by the oppressive measures against them to suppress their aspirations and sentiments. Many of them complained to me that if leaders, youth, doctors and students are arrested just for peacefully expressing their views to press for resolution of Kashmir, they have no option but to take up guns,” Geelani told reporters during a press conference at his Hyderpora residence.
However, Geelani said he categorically told them to have patience and desist from taking any violent recourse. “I want to maintain that New Delhi has prepared a sketch and wants the Kashmiris to fill colours in it. By using oppressive measures to crush our peaceful agitation, New Delhi wants to push Kashmiris towards violence with the sole aim of crushing our movement militarily and hoodwinking the international community. I urge the youth to foil the evil designs and carry the movement forward peacefully,” he said.
He claimed that on New Delhi’s instance, the authorities have launched a crackdown on the Hurriyat (G) and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. “Our 51 prominent leaders and activists are languishing in jails. Today is my 127th day of house arrest. Youth are arrested and shifted to Jammu jails. Ironically, the jail authorities of Kot Balwal, Udhampur, Amphalla and Kathua are resorting to political vengeance against the Kashmiri detainees by harassing and maltreating them. This shows the real face of India’s so-called democracy,” he said.
He said the president of High Court Bar Association, Advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom, who was arrested in July last year, has not been released despite quashing of his PSA. “He has been lodged at a Police Station in Jammu and ironically twice attacked by the activists of BJP. Mian Qayoom is being punished for giving voice to the suppressed people of Kashmir,” he said.
Geelani said the Home Ministry has given unbridled powers to forces and police to act on their will and whim for suppressing the movement. “Youth are being implicated in false case. Police has turned the arrests into a business. Many youth were arrested and released after paying hefty amounts to police. The youth are afraid to speak with media due to risk to their lives,” he said.
He cited the resolution passed last year by the National Conference Working Committee to release all the detainees. “The resolution is yet to be implemented. This clearly shows that the Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) or his party has no authority to prevent misuse of power by the police and troopers as they directly take dictations from New Delhi to suppress the people,” he said.
Geelani castigated the District Magistrates for imposing PSA “without application of mind. They blindly oblige the police by imposing PSA on Kashmiris. They should bear in mind that they might be holding top posts but one day they will be answerable to Almighty,” he said.
“We have no option but to protest against the arrest spree. I urge people of all the three regions of the State to observe a complete shutdown on January 15 to register their protest against the arrest spree in Valley and Muslim-dominated areas of Jammu. I make a fervent appeal to the transporters and shopkeepers to make the strike a success,” he said.
Geelani said the developmental activities including construction of roads, fly-overs and bridges have nothing to do with the ongoing movement. “We can survive on grass to protect our identity, culture and religion. We will continue to fight peacefully till we achieve right to self-determination,” he said.
Terming the appointment of interlocutors as futile, Geelani said they have no power and work only for hefty salary. “They have failed to represent the sentiments of Kashmiris,” he said.
On the last year’s summer agitation, Geelani maintained that it was reaction to the innocent killings in the Valley. “Many people are asking questions that what we have achieved by the agitation. We did not want to put the people to inconvenience. But how could people remain silent when innocent Kashmiris were being killed. When there was bloodshed all around the Valley. We should not take the agitation of five months as yardstick of our movement as it was only a reaction to the killings. Our movement is going on for past 63 years and people can question its efficacy,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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