Srinagar, Jan 16: The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for a shutdown on January 26 and urged people to stage peaceful demonstrations to press for demilitarization. However, he has exempted the transport from the strike.  
 “People should observe the strike from 4 pm January 25 to January 26 evening.  They should hoist black flags with the slogans of Go India Go. Though India claims to be one of the biggest democracies, however, it stands exposed as it has snatched the right to self-determination of Kashmiris since past 63-years. India has no right to observe or celebrate its Republic Day,” Geelani said.
 Geelani while recalling the promise made by the first Indian Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru said, “India itself took the Kashmir dispute to international forums and it is signatory to many agreements including the UN resolution on Kashmir. However, India has been using force to deny the right to Kashmiris.”
 Geelani maintained that the ongoing movement of Kashmiris had nothing to do with people of India. “We are not against the peace and prosperity of India. We will observe January 26 as a black day as India has been suppressing the democratic rights and right to self-determination of Kashmiris by its military might. 
 Geelani appealed the parents not to send their wards to participate in January 26 functions. “Only those people participate in the functions who have always betrayed Kashmiris. We want to maintain that our movement will continue till we achieve right to self-determination,” he added.
 Geelani, however, said that buses can ply normally on that day.
 Pertinently, JKLF has called for Lal Chowk chalo on Jan 26 to counter BJP’s plan to hoist a flag at historic Clock Tower there. The Hurriyat (M) has already endorsed JKLF’s call.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST