Minorities part of my body: Geelani

‘Don’t force them to join protests’

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Aug 8: Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani, today made a fervent appeal to the people of Kashmir not to cause any harm to Kashmiri Pandits (KPs), terming them as “part of my body”.

“Islam ensures the security of minority,” he said, urging the people not to force members of Sikh or any other minority community to join protests.

According to reports, delegations of Kashmir Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS), led by Sanjay Tikoo, and that of All Party Sikh Coordination, led by Jagmohan Singh, today called on the septuagenarian leader at the latter’s Hyderpora residence.

The delegations apprised the Hurriyat (G) chairman about various apprehensions regarding the safety of the minority communities in wake of ongoing unrest in the valley.

“We feel scary at times, particularly when protestors use uncomfortable words against us during protest demonstrations,” they told Geelani.

The delegation, according to the reports, also reposed full faith on Geelani, asserting that as long as he was alive the minority communities were safe.

“You are not only a part of our society, but also a part of my body,” Geelani told the delegation. “If any part of the body gets hurt, the entire body feels the pain.”

He said among other religions, Islam was the best supporter of security of minorities.

“Islam also teaches Muslims that if people of other religion are worshipping idols, they (Muslims) should not speak anything about the idols,” he said.

Maintaining that Kashmiri struggle was not against any community or a particular group of people, Geelani said the struggle was for the liberation of the state.

“There may be some elements in the ongoing struggle which would be spreading animosity,” he said. “Their only aim is to make use of the present situation and defame the struggle.”

He cautioned the people to remain vigilant and do not allow the divisive forces to succeed in their “nefarious ambitions”.

“Those who are well versed in Islamic teachings will not cause any harm to the members of minority communities,” he said.

Geelani also urged the delegations to keep check on those elements (in the minority communities) which try to defame and damage the moment.

“There is a dire need to stop their activities,” he said.

The Sikh delegation told Geelani that they received letters asking them to participate in protest demonstrations.

“The delegation told the Hurriyat (G) chairman that they are ready to join protests and take bullets, if Geelani wishes,” the reports said.

Referring to the Chattisinghpora massacre and the onslaught on Sikh community after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Geelani lauded the Sikh community for having stayed back in Kashmir during the last 20 years.

“I will ensure the safety of people belonging to the minority communities,” Geelani said, and appealed to the people not to force them to take part in protest demonstrations.

The Sikh delegation told Geelani that the community would organise peaceful protests against recent spate of civilian killings in the valley.

“We don’t want people to force us to join protests,” the delegation said.