Independent leader asks people to protest in all district headquarters instead
SRINAGAR: Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a senior independence leader, on Sunday withdrew plans to protest outside the army camps in Indian-held Kashmir, lessening fears of a further escalation of violence in one of the world’s most militarised regions.
Geelani’s decision to call off the rallies at army camps came ahead of a visit by an Indian delegation, seeking to find a way to end anti-India demonstrations by Kashmiri youth.
Eighty-year-old Geelani has emerged as the leading face of anti-India protests.
“Instead of marching to army camps, the people should protest in all district headquarters and demand complete withdrawal of Indian troops from Kashmir,” Geelani said in a statement.
The army has largely stayed away from quelling protests, leaving the job to the police, and is mainly involved in battling with militants.
More than 100 people have been killed in recent protests, the biggest since an armed struggle broke out against New Delhi’s rule in 1989.
The government is reluctant to demilitarise or relax stringent security measures that are deeply resented by Kashmiris. Reuters
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