KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Reviving his childhood and memories of yore, Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani on Saturday impressed upon people of his native village to remain steadfast in pursuit of “freedom”.
Addressing a pro-freedom rally, over a phone, in Dooru village of Sopore this afternoon, Geelani asked people not to “fall prey to petty issues”.
“You have showed resilience since 1947 and have supported me in last 50 years,” he told hundreds of people who attended the pro-freedom rally, “you need to continue with the same commitment to the freedom movement.”
Dooru is native village of Geelani who now lives in Hyderpora. One of Geelani’s daughter lives in his ancestral house in Dooru.
“Stay united,” Geelani said as people rose up in pro-freedom sloganeering, “don’t fall prey to useless things which create an atmosphere of disgust and disbelief in pro-freedom leadership.”
Hundreds of people from adjacent villages marched towards Dooru village although police, SOG and CRPF men had blocked several entry points to the village.
While detailing the current phase of uprising in Kashmir, Geelani asked people to take care of those who are needy on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha. “Our Eid is in our freedom,” he told the gathering as people rose in jubilation, “make sure not a single person faces any problem on the auspicious occasion.”
Geelani stressed on making Bait-ul-Maals stronger. “Stronger Bait-ul-Maals mean our struggle against the forcible occupation will be stronger,” he said in his over 20-minute telephonic address.
Geelani further asked people not be “sad” with regard to “freedom movement”. “Be hopeful,” he said, “sadness is sin and Insha Allah we will be free as India has forcibly occupied Kashmir on gun point.”
A participant in the pro-freedom rally who lives in Dooru told Kashmir Life that a rally was planned in the area some days ago. “But around 4 AM this morning, CRPD and police men came and arrested to senior residents,” he said, “soon people came out of their houses and protests erupted.”
The local further informed that preparations for the rally were being held since early morning. “People paid from their pockets for buying cloth for flags and other essential items,” he said.
But, the locals said, police, SOG and CRPF men raided Dooru around 11 AM and vandalised the venue. “The Public Addressing system which cost Rs 2 lakh was taken by police,” he said. “Clashes erupted as people resisted the forces action and over a dozen civilians were injured by pellet and tear gas shell firing.”
The informed local said, “such was the system that a committee was formed which over looked preparations for the rally which would start after Zuhr (mid-day) prayers today. No one was allowed to enter the venue premises ground except a selected group of volunteers.”
“But,” he rued, “a venue which was as beautiful as a bride was ruined.”
After forces raided the venue, people showed defiance and announcements started that the rally will be held “at any cost”.
“People came, and attended the rally in huge numbers,” he said. “People came at all costs to listen to Peer saeb.”
