Geelani condemns detention of Hurriyat leaders ahead of protests

Srinagar: Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani Friday condemned the detention and nocturnal raids on residences of resistance leaders and said that it is extremely unwise to deny political space and muzzle genuine voices.
The Hurriyat statement issued here on Friday said that ahead of the call given by Joint Resistance Leadership for peaceful protests, police arrested and raided residences of several leaders including APHC spokesman Gh Ahmad Gulzar, while as Hakim Ab Rashid and Mohammad Ashraf Laya were Thursday arrested and lodged in police stations.
Blaming ruling elite for creating chaos in state, Geelani said that on one hand humiliating and shameful activities against women folk are being sponsored by secret agencies and on the other, forces and police are unleashing brutalities on peaceful protestors.
Geelani expressed his serious concern over fresh arrest spree, harassment of political leaders and humiliation during night raids. While referring to the recent nocturnal raids, Geelani said that police Thursday night raided house of APHC spokesperson, Gh Ahmad Gulzar in Gulshan Abad Hyderpora and harassed inmates. Police again raided in wee hours in morning and harassed family knowingly that no male member was present.
Geelani strongly condemned police authorities and said that Gh Ahmad Gulzar is a well-known and prominent political leader and added that night raids are unbearable and unacceptable. Huriyat chairman denounced the arrest of Hakim Ab Rashid and Mohd Ashraf Laya and said that despite detentions, arbitrary measures and harassment, the freedom mission will be carried to its logical end.
Meanwhile protests and rallies were witnessed across Kashmir Valley against recent incidents of braid chopping after Friday prayers .Hurriyat activists and leaders including Nisar Hussain Rather, Molvi Bashir Irfani, Bashir Ahmad Qureshi, Syed Imtiyaz Haider, Syed Mohammad Shafi, Mukhtar Ahmed Sofi, Imtiaz Ahmed Shah, Mohammad Yaseen Ataie, Irfan Ahmad Bhat, Zahoor Ahmad Begh, Nisar Ahmad, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Ahad, Haji Abdul Qudoos and large number of people were present, while Mohammad Rafiq Owasi, Sajjad Ahmed, Gowher Ahmed, Sajjad Ahmed Pal, Ishfaq Ahmad Khan and others held protest demonstrations in Khanyar and Pantha Chowk.
Strongly condemning the attacks on women and braid chopping incidents, Hurriyat leaders said that reports of such incidents from the length and breadth of state is a dangerous and deep-rooted conspiracy.
Initially these shameful incidents occurred it in some parts of India to justify these incidences in state and added that people’s commitment with ongoing freedom movement has frustrated New Delhi and as such it is a ploy to create fear psychosis among women and an attempt to deviate attention from freedom movement, said they.
In a highly military zone the women feel scared and braid chopping has added into already fearful situations, they said.
It is highly deplorable that in broad day light the mischievous elements are attacking the dignity of women and force their entry into private premises and flee after chopping hair.
The protestors were displaying banners and play cards and protesting against shameful act of braid chopping.
Hurriyat in its statement denounced authorities for imposing curfew announcing curbs and blocking internet service, saying that it is a conspiracy to snap connectivity, deprive people from access to information and a deliberate act to provide escape route for those culprits involved in braid chopping.
Hurriyat in its statement condemned the excessive use of brute force against protestors in Sambora, vandalising properties and injuring a youth in shoot out and said that on one hand the preparators are free to humiliate women while as those raising their voice against highhandedness are subjected intimidations and extreme brutalities.
Geelani expressed his deep grief over the demise of prominent educationist, Ateeqa and said that during her tenure she contributed her highest, praiseworthy and meritorious services in the field of education and for Urdu literature.
Geelani while praying for her heavily aboard and forbiddance for grieved family, said that late Ateeqa was a pious lady and from a noble dynasty. Meanwhile on the directions of Syed Ali Geelani a delegation led by Tehreek-e-Huriyat leader, Shah Wali Mohammad visited grieved family in Sopor and extended condolences on his behalf.