Srinagar
On the directions of chairman Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat Conference (G) leaders, and activists organized candlelight protests at Budgam and Magam ahead of Human Rights Day on December 10.
A Hurriyat spokesman said that the protests were held against the “unabated human rights violations including killings, arrests, torture, detention of pro-freedom leaders and activists, vandalizing of properties, and orchards in order to crush the sentiments and silence the voices of freedom.”
“Authorities are desperately trying to hide these gross human rights abuses by not even allowing the candle and torch protests which are aimed at seeking the attention of international community towards Kashmir,” the protesters according to the statement said.
They appealed the international community and all human rights organizations to take a serious note of “brazen Indian aggression on unarmed and defenseless Kashmiris, and make progressive efforts, rather than occasional condemnation, for the resolution of this longstanding dispute as promised by the UN through its UNSC resolutions.”
“Government forces have unleashed yet another arrest spree to sabotage these peaceful protests, and so far hundreds of pro-freedom workers and youth have been arrested and Hurriyat leadership been confined to their houses and jails,” the protesters said.
Meanwhile, JKLF spokesman said on JRL program, JKLF leaders and activists on fourth consecutive day today held peaceful candlelight protests against human rights violations in Kashmir.
“JKLF leaders and activists gathered at Chatabal Veer Bemina Crossing and Harkar Molla Budgam and held candlelight protests after Maghrib prayers. People from different walks of life also attended the program.,” the statement said.
JKLF leaders addressed the protesters and delivered a message from ailing incarcerated party chairman to them.
“Police and forces have choked every little space of peaceful political activities in Kashmir. Even mourning and expressing grief has been banned by police and authorities and all this undemocratic and dictatorial job is being done in the name of democracy and peace,” the speakers while reading Malik’s message said.
Meanwhile, JKLF chairman paid tributes to “great martyr” Ghulam Hassan Bhat @ Yawar Khan, Ishtiaq Ahmed Bukhari @ Badshah Khan and Abdul Rashid Dar on their anniversaries today. He said their sacrifices will never go in vain.