Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani Monday called for a complete shutdown on November 25 against elections in district Ganderbal and Bandipora and stressed people to register their protest against these “manipulated elections, highhandedness of authorities and fresh arrest spree.”In a statement to KNS Geelani said, “Kashmir is a disputed territory and India has no constitutional, moral or legitimate right over it or conduct these farce elections. India with the dint of might has turned state into a vast prison. While strongly criticizing the Indian authorities and denounced its claim of being a big democracy and forthcoming elections are being held under the shadow of gun.”“Delhi is desperate to portray these elections as a routine phenomenon of their so-called democratic setup. There is no doubt that it is mere drama,” he alleged and added that these elections have lost their validity.“Forces including police, CRPF and other armed personnel have created chaos and a sense of uncertainty in state. People including, youth, elderly and all political workers were put behind bars during recent arrest spree,” he said.
Referring to recent killings in Nowgam Chattergam, Handwara and Kulgam, Geelani denounced local administration and said, “State forces are trigger happy and killing our youth on one pretext or other. Police stations are acting as torture cells and youth are being subjected to third degree torture and while referring to SHO and police officials deployed at Police station Bandipora, they have crossed all limits and are perpetrating torture over detainees lodged in said police station.”The Hurriyat (G) chairman stressed people that they should not get swayed by pro-Indian politicians and while referring to these, said, “They are stooges and hand in glow with killers. They cannot be our savior and their hands are smeared with the blood of our innocent youths.”
Reiterating his appeal for election boycott, Geelani stressed youth and said, :They should on their own behalf think serious about election boycott, take active part and during door-to door-campaign make each and every member of society aware about demerits of participation in poll processes or casting vote in favor of any contesting candidate. We pin our hope with our youth, who in recent floods exhibited their velour and we are optimistic that they will become part of this mission and play their active role in campaign against election drama,” he said.“Casting vote is synonymous with betrayal of blood of martyrs. We have to choose the mission of our martyrs and reject those opportunists following deceptive politics and bargaining blood of innocent Kashmiris,” he said.Meanwhile, Geelani expressed his deep grief over accidental death of daughter of Ghulam Mustafa Tehsil president Tehreek E Hurriyat and mother of Mohammad Ashraf Laya. Geelani expressed his sympathy and extended his condolence with bereaved families.