United Hurriyat condemns Shopian siege, calls for protest after Friday prayers
Srinagar: United Hurriyat leadership on Thursday said that the state is virtually under martial law and condemned the crackdown against civilians in Shopian on Thursday.
In a joint statement, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik called for protests against ‘state terrorism’ after the congregational Friday prayers.
“We denounce use of brute forces on civilians in dozens of villages in Shopian district and strongly condemned the brazen act of state terrorism. Forces are laying siege against villages and during crackdown people are thrashed and properties ransacked,” the joint statement said.
The statement stressed that the state is virtually reeling under martial law.
“No rule of law exists and the state is under martial law. India should accept defeat as they have lost their credibility and legitimacy. Authorities through excessive force and military might are continuing forced occupation.”
The statement added, “We appeal asked people to hold protests after Friday congregational prayers against the lawlessness and hooliganism in Shopian and Sopore.”
They also demanded that the detained students, political workers and leaders should be released as their detention is further deteriorating the situation in the valley.
“By detaining students, the authorities are creating awful conditions in state. The authorities are harsh towards students and it would further deteriorate already charged situation. It is of grave concern that police and forces through their brutal actions are annoying students and it has badly affected their future,” the joint statement observed.
(With inputs from KNS)
