Geelani calls for shutdown on Saturday against Mehta concert

Srinagar: Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani Mond called for a complete shutdown and civil curfew on September 7, the day noted Zubin Mehta is set to perform in Kashmir.

He also appealed people to stage peaceful protests after Friday prayers on September 6, against Mehta’s concert.

Addressing a press conference at his Hyderpora residence, he said, “On the day of the event Kashmiri people should observe a complete shutdown. I appeal the Imams (clerics) of various mosques that they should lead the post prayer protest on September 6 against the holding
of concert in Kashmir.”

“We had appealed chief organizer German Ambassador Michael Steiner to cancel the event, but there has been no response from him, so I appeal Kashmir people particularly students to hold demonstration after Friday congregation on September 6 and On the day of the event
Kashmir people should observe a complete shutdown and civil curfew,” he added.

The Hurriyat (G) chairman said the shutdown is not against any nation or person but “we want to tell the world about the pain and oppression that we have undergone.”
“We want to tell the world that in a place where people mourn the death of their loved ones organizing music events is rubbing salt on their wounds,” he said.

“We have reports that Zubin Mehta is carrying forward the program of Israel. His agenda is to go to occupied nations and perform musical shows in order to hide the human rights violation and cover occupation. However, we welcome all the people may they be Indians or
Germans but Kashmir is a conflict zone. Our stand has always be clear that no international event of any nature must be held in the region as it dilutes its status of being the most protracted conflict in recent history,” he added.

Geelani supported civil society move to organize a parallel program which civil society is organizing on the same day. Responding to a question, Geelani said, “Civil society has a genuine role in the freedom movement. If civil society organizes any protest in any form, it is in the interest of the movement. We have no problem with the program of Civil Society.”

Pertinently Zubin Mehta is set to perform at the historic Shalimar Bagh in the Kashmir valley Sep 7 and chief organizer German Ambassador Michael Steiner is confident that the program would go without a hindrance.