News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Home  » News » Hurriyat Conference refuses to cancel march to UN office

Hurriyat Conference refuses to cancel march to UN office

By Mukhtar Ahmad and Krishnakumar P In Srinagar
August 17, 2008 20:27 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference on Sunday reiterated its call to the people of Kashmir to march to the United Nations Military Observers Group Office in Srinagar, in spite of the administration's efforts to dissuade the separatists from organising the march.

Coverage: The Amarnath Row

Srinagar District Magistrate Asfandyar Khan and police chief Afadul Mujtaba met  hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and moderate leader Mirwaiz Moulvi Umar Farooq to request them to reconsider their march to the UNMOG office at Sonwar 'in view of the sensitivity of the area'.

'J&K unrest is the handiwork of politicians'

The cantonment area, which houses the headquarters of the army's 15 corps, is located in Sonwar. Residences of most political bigwigs and top civil and police officers are also located in the area.
 
However, after a nearly three hour long meeting, the APHC turned down the government's plea and decided to go ahead with the march.

Jammu is not for burning

The APHC has asked the people, doctors and lawyers to join Monday's march, when the protestors will submit a memorandum to the UNMOG at Sonwar.
 
The APHC also decided to suspend the agitation for three days, from Thursday to Thursday, but called for another march on Friday to the historical Eidgah grounds in Srinagar.

'We didn't anticipate such a reaction from Jammu'

The APHC coordination committee asked state government employees to wear black bands and shopkeepers to hoist black flags.
 
Saturday's march to Pampore, which was joined by thousands of people, has made the authorities concerned about the outcome of Monday's march. 

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Mukhtar Ahmad and Krishnakumar P In Srinagar