Syed Ali Geelani writes to China & Iran, seeks support to resolve Kashmir dispute

SRINAGAR: The most influential profreedom leader of Jammu & Kashmir Syed Ali Geelani for the first time wrote to China and Iran, seeking support and immediate intervention to resolve the fast-deteriorating Kashmir issue.

Geelani, in a letter addressed to heads of the permanent members of United Nation Security Council and regional organisations such as the European Union, ASEAN, OIC and SAARC, appealing them to urge India to take confidence building measures and ‘accept disputed nature of J&K, repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act and start a rapid demilitarisation process immediately’.

The letter has also been sent to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. “These countries have a special responsibility to intervene to stop this reign of terror by India in J&K…create an atmosphere conducive for the resolution of the dispute of Jammu & Kashmir as per the principle of Right to Self Determination,” Geelani wrote in the letter, and demanded the release of political prisoners and space for political activities.