Geelani-led Hurriyat comes out with 11-day protest calendar

Boycott panchayat, municipal polls: Geelani

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Aug 24: Syed Ali Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference today came up with yet another protest calendar, this time for 11 days, as part of the conglomerate’s “Quit Jammu Kashmir campaign”, even as the octogenarian separatist leader today urged the people of Kashmir to completely boycott local bodies election slated to be held this year.

According to the fresh protest calendar, people have been asked to observe complete shutdown on August 25, and stage peaceful sit-in protests from morning to late afternoon (Asr) prayers. The conglomerate has urged people to offer afternoon (Zuhr) and late afternoon (Asr) prayers in congregation on roads, besides organize Qunut-e-Nazilla, said a statement issued to the press here today.

On August 26, the conglomerate has asked people to observe complete strike to show solidarity with all those detained by police, and observe the day as “Youm-e Aseeran” (Day of detainees). The people would also offer special prayers for release of the detainees, the statement added.

There would be no strike on August 27. People have been asked to wear white dresses and offer prayers in their respective district headquarters.

On August 28, there would be complete shutdown and people have been asked to stage peaceful demonstrations. Special function would be organized in connection with Youm-e Badar on the day. The biggest function would be held in Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) Srinagar where chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani, would address the gathering.

Again on August 29, 30, and August 31, there would be complete shutdown amid peaceful protests. People have been asked to organize sit-in protests from morning to late afternoon (Asr) prayers. Afternoon (Zuhar) and late afternoon (Asr) prayers would be offered on roads besides offer Qunut-e-Nazilla. There would be relaxation in shutdowns from 5 PM to 7 AM.

The netizens have been asked to register their protests on social networking websites. Similarly, employees have been asked to deposit Rs 100 in local Baitul Maal (public treasury) on August 30.

There would be no strike on September 1. The day marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali Murtaza (as), Prophet (pbuh) Mohammad’s cousin and son-in-law.

There would be complete shutdown and peaceful protests on September 2. The day would be observed as “Youm-e Tahafuz Khawateen (Day of protect women). The conglomerate has asked womenfolk to march towards Ali Masjid Eidgah on the day.

There would be no strike on September 3, while Kashmiris living outside the state have been asked to stage protests on the day.

On September 4, there would be complete strike. The conglomerate has asked people to stage protest demonstrations after every prayer. There would be complete blackout from 7 PM to 8 PM, the statement said, adding that youth would voluntarily clean their respective localities on the day.

Meanwhile, senior separatist leader, Masarrta Alam, has endorsed the calendar.

Earlier, a meeting of Majlis-e Shoura of Hurriyat Conference (G) was today held under the chairmanship of Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, at his Hyderpora residence.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Tehreek-e Hurriyat, Muslim Conference, Democratic Political Moment, Mass Moment, People’s League, Tehreek-e Wahdat Islami, Employees Moment, Muslim Khwateen Markaz, and People’s Freedom League.

The meeting discussed various aspects of ongoing protest agitation and also discussed the conglomerate’s the future strategies.

Addressing the meeting, Geelani urged the people to completely boycott approaching Panchayat and Municipal elections.

“The policy makers at New Delhi are playing a dangerous game by toeing the same conventional line,” he said. “They want to hold elections at a time when blood of civilians has been spilled on the streets of valley and pro-freedom slogans are reverberating through out the valley.”

The blowing of bugle for civil body elections would add fuel to the fire, he said.

He accused New Delhi of trying to worsen the situation in Kashmir.

“Elections were held innumerable times in Kashmir, but they failed to improve the situation,” he said. “Kashmiris will no only accept the election which will be held under the auspices of United Nations where Kashmiris would be asked to choose their destiny.”

Geelani urged the people to observe Shab-e Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr in a very simple manner.

“It’s highly condemnable and unpleasant to adopt anti-Islamic methods and become a spendthrift at a time when the entire state is mourning the killings of innocent civilians and everyday people carry coffins of their beloved,” he said.

Meanwhile, the meeting also urged bakers not to prepare bakeries for Eid-ul-Fitr. Similarly, butchers have also been asked to slaughter only required number of sheep and goats.

The meeting also asked owners of private schools to charge fee-paying students only 50 per cent of school fee and 100 per cent discount on transport charges.

Appreciating the initiative taken by some educated youths of the valley to start academies in their areas, the meeting said that the academies should be started in every nook and corner of the valley.

CALENDER

Aug 25: Strike, protests

Aug 26: Shutdown; ‘Youm-e Aseeran’

Aug 27: No strike

Aug 28: Strike; ‘Youm-e Badar’

Aug 29, Aug 30, Aug 31: Strike, protests; Relaxation from 5 PM to 7 A

Sep 1: No strike

Sep 2: Strike; ‘Youm-e Tahfuz-e Khwateen’

Sep 3: No strike

Sep 4: Strike, protests; Blackout from 7PM to 8PM