Geelani slams J&K govt on youths' arrest

SRINAGAR: Hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani today alleged that the Jammu and Kashmir government was trying to establish "superficial peace" by arresting three youths on charges of posting hate messages to the all-girls rock band in the state.

Geelani, in a statement issued here, condemned the arrest of the youths and reopening of cases against separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan.

"We warn the government that it is trying to create superficial peace by unleashing a reign of terror," he said.

The separatist leader also advised people to use civilised language while commenting on issues on social networking sites.

"While the youth should maintain civility on online sites, they should try to create awareness about human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of commenting on non-issues," he said.

Geelani alleged that the government was trying to malign the image of Kashmiris by branding them intolerant.

"It is a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the Kashmir issue," he accused.

Meanwhile, the Muslim League also condemned the arrest of the youths in connection to the online abuse.