Syed Ali Shah Geelani calls for shut down across Kashmir in solidarity with the JNU students

SRINAGAR: Syed Ali Shah Geelani led Hurriyat Conference has called for a complete shutdown across Kashmir, Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal region on February 27, in solidarity with the students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

The Hurriyat Conference referred to the crackdown on JNU students, harassment of Kashmiri students and slapping of sedition charges against SAR Geelani as ‘fascism and worst kind of state terrorism’. “India is ruled by Brahmin elite and they are trying to muzzle the voice of every minority and suppress lower caste people,” said Hurriyat Conference general secretary Shabir Shah. The Hurriyat Conference has called for protests against the JNU crackdown after Friday prayers on February 26 as well.

“Many Kashmiri students are coming back due to fear and harassment. We express our solidarity with Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and many others who have exposed the fascist media, who tried to frame them,” said Shah. According to the Hurriyat Conference, JNU scholars have sided with the “truth and reality” while expressing solidarity with Kashmir. “And government of India wants to silence them all with force,” said Shah.

Shah also termed the arrest and non-issuance of bail to SAR Geelani as politically motivated. “If SAR Geelani and other students are not released soon, it would have strong reaction in Kashmir,” Shah added. The people of India, Shah said, were accepting the reality of Kashmir and their solidarity strengthened our resolve to pursue our goal. “Booking students for sedition has no moral justification,” said Shah.