Expressing his deep concern over the prevailing ‘awful situation’ in the state, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani on Monday said that virtually authorities have turned the state into a battle field.

Paying tributes to slain youth who were killed in Pulwama encounter, Geelani according to the statement issued here said that state people are facing extreme situations and added that during and after these encounters, the civilian populations are subjected to arbitrary measures and un-proportionate military might.

“During the gunfights, the residential houses are razed to ground and inmates subjected to harsh and inhuman treatment,” he said.

Lashing at Indian authorities for their ‘barbaric and inhuman approach’, Geelani said that “tyranny and oppression have touched heights in Kashmir and all rights and liberties of people have disappeared.”

Referring to peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue, Geelani said, “Our stand is clear and unambiguous that right to self-determination is a standard and democratic formula for the peaceful settlement of this issue.”

“People in the state and Pakistan, do agree with the formula, however the haughty and stubborn approach of India is creating hurdles and impediments,” Geelani said, adding that it were Indian authorities that took the issue in UNO and accepted formula for the resolution before the international community.

“They are now neglecting all their commitments, thus creating a serious threat for world peace,” Geelani said.

Geelani asked world community for their cognizance and said that for the sake of permanent peace in the sub-continent, it is pertinent to resolve Kashmir issue as per aspirations of people. He said that it is a human problem and people have rendered exemplary sacrifices for its permanent settlement.

Geelani expressed his dismay over prolonged judicial remand of resistance leadership and summoning JKLF leader Noor Mohammadd Kalwal, Dr Nayeem Geelani and Dr Naseem Geelani in Delhi court and protraction of investigation processes by NIA and said all these cruel acts are being utilized to increase pressure and cow down their spirits.

“Instead of this it is imperative that India, despite employing these undemocratic means should consider Kashmir’s conflicting status and work for its durable solution,” Geelani said, adding that “it is the only means that we can save one and half billion population of South Asia from horrors and devastation created by dreadful nuclear war.”

Guest