Joint Hurriyat calls for Shopian chalo on Friday

Srinagar, Jan 31: Calling for a march to Shopian on Friday against the civilian killings, Joint Hurriyat Leadership on Wednesday termed JK’s mainstream parties protest in the Assembly as a “drama enacted by the legislators to divert attention from deteriorating ground situation in the valley”.
Joint Hurriyat, comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Mohammad Yasin Malik, had called for protest against Shopian civilian killings at Jamia Masjid here.
Geelani and Mirwaiz were under house-arrest, while Malik led a protest rally outside the Jamia Masjid in which hundreds of Hurriyat workers, supporters, and traders participated.
In his telephonic address, Geelani accused the government forces of “killing” Kashmiris.
“Two Shopian youth were killed a few days ago, and one more succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning,” Geelani, who is heading Hurriyat Conference (G), said.
He appealed people to follow the joint Hurriyat programme against civilian killings in the valley.
Mirwaiz, in his address, said that there was no end to civilian killings in the valley.
“The black laws are giving license to troops to kill civilians,” he claimed.
Mirwaiz, who is also the Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M), appealed people to march towards Shopian.
“Indian Home Minister is appreciating troops for killing Kashmiris and said that they would continue to do so,” he said.
He termed an enquiry into Shopian killings a “farce” to “deceive” Indians and the world community.
“We should be united to take the cause to the logical end,” he added.
Malik, who led the protest, said that Joint Hurriyat has decided to march towards Shopian.
“We will offer Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid Shopian and will later hold a protest at Shopian Chowk in solidarity with the families of those killed and injured in the army firing,” Malik, who is head of JKLF, said.
Javaid Ahmad Bhat and Suhail Javaid Lone were killed on Saturday afternoon when army opened fire at Ganawpora, Shopian.
On Wednesday another youth, Rayees Ahmed Ganaie succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS, Soura.
“The so called legislators of the state passed AFSPA law in the state. They are responsible for strengthening troops in the valley,” Malik said in his speech.
“Troops from various Indian states are asking Kashmiris to show identity cards. This state belongs to us. Kashmiris should ask these troops from where they are,” he said.
He claimed that Indian leaders were “celebrating” civilian killings in the valley. “JK’s legislators are busy in enacting drama over civilian killings. They should instead withdraw AFSPA, which gives immunity to troops to kill Kashmiris,” he said.
“These people are encouraging troops to kill civilians. Indian troops have no humanity left now and are terrorizing Kashmiris,” he accused.
Amidst this, protestors were shouting slogans and carrying placards: “Stop killings in Kashmir. We don’t want sham enquiry. Magisterial enquiry just farce, Genocide of Kashmiris how long?”