Separatists call for shutdown today
Various separatist organizations have called for complete shutdown across Kashmir on Wednesday to protest the killing of two youth in Army firing at Chattergam area of Budgam yesterday.
Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani Tuesday urged all sections of society including people associated with trade and commerce, transport and education, to observe the strike against this “brutal act of barbarism.”
“After the recent floods that devastated the entire Valley, the Government of India is showing imperialism in the name of democracy. The arrests have become a routine. Our youth are being killed. Police has itself confirmed that the two youth killed by Army yesterday were unarmed and didn’t carry any illegal material,” he said in a statement.
Geelani said Jammu and Kashmir is a “disputed territory and not an integral part of India.”
“The BJP wants extension of its government in J&K and has started its nefarious designs. It is an alarming situation for the people, especially Muslims. That is why we make a humble appeal that our people should not become a sellable commodity. They should face these nefarious designs and defeat them,” he said.
The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq strongly condemned the cold blooded murder of two youth in Chattergam. “The killing of two youth by Army is barbaric. The incident which happened during the days of Ashura rekindled memories and scenes of Karbala in Kashmir. I appeal people to observe complete shutdown on Wednesday, November 5, against the barbarism committed by the Army soldiers. I also appeal employees, lawyers, members of Civil Society, Traders, Transport Unions and others to protest against the innocent killing of youth,” he said.
Mirwaiz also asked Imams and Khateebs to raise their voice against these killing in Friday sermons.
“Under the garb of AFSPA and other special powers, the Indian forces have been given a license to kill people at will. Such draconian laws have turned soldiers in uniform into ancient Mongol brutes. These laws have empowered persons in uniform to kill people whenever and wherever they like and thus have created an atmosphere of insecurity among Kashmiris,” he said.
He urged international bodies and rights organizations to take a strong note of such incidents and of other rights violations.
Mirwaiz also expressed serious concern over curfew-like situation in Nowgam, Chattargam and adjoining places.
Chairman of JKLF Muhammad Yasin Malik, who is lodged at district jail Anantnag, strongly condemned the Chattergam killings and called for complete shutdown on Wednesday.
“This incident is another example of Indian army’s brutal face. These trigger-happy personnel have actually committed such crimes in the past with utmost impunity because they know that they will never be penalized as New Delhi, its Kashmiri stooges, assemblies and institutions are there to provide them legal cover,” he said.
Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir has also called for complete shutdown against the killings on Wednesday.