“Separate colonies” for KPs: Separatists call for strike on Saturday

Srinagar, Apr 8: Separatists Wednesday called for a general strike in Kashmir on Saturday (Apr 11) to protest the proposed move of the government to settle Kashmiri Pandits in “separate colonies” in the valley.

Talking to News agency Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “Any move to turn Kashmir into Palestine would be resisted tooth and nail by the Hurriyat and people of Jammu and Kashmir. We will hold awareness progammes against the government’s move on Friday to educate the people about the ramifications of the dangerous ploy of government of India and state government,” he said and appealed for a general shutdown on Saturday.
While terming “surrender” of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayed before the order of Union home minister Rajnath Singh for setting up of separate “composite townships” for the Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir valley as sorrowful and surprising, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani called for peaceful protest demonstration on April 10 after the Friday congregational prayers and complete and statewide shutdown April 11 (Saturday) against this.
JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik said while addressing a press conference here said, “A separate homeland for Kashmiri Pandits is actually a conspiracy to harm religious harmony in Kashmir and change Jammu Kashmir into another Palestine. People of Jammu Kashmir will never allow this conspiracy to succeed and besides a protest rally and sit-in on Friday, a complete shut down against this conspiracy will be observed on Saturday.”
Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah termed the decision as ploy by “communal forces” to divide J&K in the name of religion. He called for protests on Friday and strike against the move on Saturday.
Muslim League spokesperson Rafiq Ganie also supported the strike call given by Geelani.