Geelani condemns killing of Pulwama youth at Tangdhar

Srinagar: Strongly condemning the killing of youth at Tangdaar by Indian forces, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani said that it is very unfortunate and blamed occupational forces for staging ‘fake encounters’.
In a telephonic address to mourners, attending funerals of two youth from Pulwama, who were slain in ‘fake encounter’, Geelani condemned the killing of Sabzaar Ahmad Sheikh, saying that “callous authorities while shielding killers are attributing it to encounters with brave hearts.”
“Whatever is happening now, the killings, injuries, arrests, is because of this unnatural alliance of Muslim Kashmir with India,” he said in a statement issued to KNS.
“This is despite the fact that six lakh Muslims were butchered by the Hindu fascist forces in Jammu itself, and despite all odds the nation is resisting illegal occupation and pursuing their right to self-determination,” he said.
“Indian rulers are suffering from arrogance of power,” Geelani said in his address and in arrogance are denying and refusing the basic right to people, Geelani added, saying “brave hearts like Pilot Nadeem Khatib and slain Professor Dr Mohammad Rafiq while pursuing the freedom mission sacrificed their precious lives. This movement has been going on since past seven decades.”
“It has been going on since India seized this place by force, without any moral justification or legal sanctity, and majority of the people of Jammu & Kashmir are against that,” Geelani said.
Appealing youth to boycott upcoming elections, Geelani said that “it provides Indian leadership opportunity to mislead world community. They are not sincere and just play with your sentiments and looting resources of state.”
Blaming ruling elite for changing the demography of state, Geelani said that “they are hell-bent to change our majority status.”
The Hurriyat spokesman quoted Geelani as having said while addressing the mourners telephonically at Sabzaar Ahmad Bhatt’s funeral in Pulwama.
Geelani stressed for unity and increasing public relations, saying “we should encourage people for their commitment, and we need to avoid differences and remain firm.”
Elaborating, he said: “Islam, freedom and unity in our folds can lead us to our destiny and if the entire nation follows these goals, we will definitely achieve our destination very soon.”
Geelani while lashing at authorities said that political detainees are subjected to vengeance and ill treatment.
Referring to incarcerated senior leader Gh Mohammad Khan Sopori, Geelani condemned the slapping of 4th Public Safety Act (PSA) on him and shifting him to Kot Bhalwal, saying “It is the worst demonstration of political vendetta”.
Geelani also condemned state administration over prolonged and ‘unlawful’ house detention of THJK chairman Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Bilal Sidiqi, Mohamad Ashraf Laya, and other resistance leaders.
Meanwhile, Geelani and THK chairman Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai in a joint condolence statement expressed their grief over the demise of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat activist Arshad Ahmad Punjabi.
Both the leaders paid tributes to Arshad Ahmad for his commitment and exemplary character and contribution.
Geelani and Sehrai while extending their condolences, prayed for departed soul and forbiddance to grieved family to bear this irreparable loss. (KNS)