Geelani Arriving On March 3

Asks People To‘Remain Steadfast To Freedom Struggle’
Shopian, Mar 1: Urging people to remain steadfast to their demand for return of Afzal Guru’s mortal remains, the Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani Friday said he will return to Kashmir next week.
In his first telephonic address to an impressive gathering here, after being released from house arrest in New Delhi on Thursday, Geelani hailed the people of Kashmir for their “unflinching support to freedom struggle.” “I salute Kashmiris for remaining steadfastness and resilient towards their goal,” Geelani said.
He also praised the people of Shopian for “not falling prey to petty gains.” Reiterating his demand for return of the mortal remains of Afzal Guru, Geelani said, “Right now we should have a one-point agenda and that is to get the mortal remains of Afzal Guru back.”
Describing Guru as an “oppressed hero”, Geelani said: “Afzal’s hanging was a cowardly and brutal act on part of the Indian state and has exposed its farce claims being democratic.”
After Guru’s hanging on February 9, Geelani was put under house arrest at his New Delhi residence for more than 20 days and rendered incommunicado.
He urged people to continue their support to the freedom movement and not fall prey to the “petty jobs the government is offering.”
“People should always bear in mind the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs and not sell their conscience for petty things like government jobs. We should not forget the blood of our martyrs and keep pursuing our goal,” Geelani said.
He urged the people, particularly the youth, to render their full support to the Hurriyat.
Asking India to shun stubbornness and address the Kashmir issue keeping in view the aspirations of people of Kashmir, Geelani said, “India will have to sooner or later recognize the just demand of the people of Kashmir. However the people have to remain steadfast and exhibit some character and determination.”
He also announced that that he will be returning to Kashmir next week.
“I will leave for Kashmir on March 3 provided I am not arrested at the airport,” he said. “You know the repressive tactics of the government forces. They don’t allow me to even venture out to offer prayers. However you should not feel disheartened and stay committed towards the goal.”
Earlier as soon as the Friday prayers concluded hundreds of people from different parts of the town took to streets and organized peaceful pro-freedom protests. The protesters were demanding the mortal remains of Afzal Guru. The protest demonstration was led by Hurriyat (G) district president Shopian, Shakir Ahmad and the protest later culminated at Goal Chowk after Geelani’s address.