India occupier of J&K, Pak a friend: Separatist leader

SRINAGAR: Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani described India on Friday as Kashmir’s “occupier” and thanked Pakistan for being a “friend” and “well wisher” during

SRINAGAR: Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani described India on Friday as Kashmir’s “occupier” and thanked Pakistan for being a “friend” and “well wisher” during the ongoing spell of violence in the Valley that has left 62 people dead.

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Hours after his press conference was blocked by local authorities, Geelani released a letter saying Kashmir has never been as close to “freedom” as it was now.

“Since the martyrdom of commander Burhan, there is no village and no town where people have not made it abundantly clear the only relationship between India and Kashmir is that of the occupier and the occupied,” he wrote. “Pakistan and its people shared our pain and raised their voice in our support.” Police surrounded his residence and didn’t allow journalists, photographers or cameramen to proceed. Shortly after 11am, police asked journalists to leave.

“I don’t know why the press conference was not allowed, the decision must have been taken at the district level. If his statement has anything anti-national or against the law, it will attract action,” said state director general of police K Rajendra Kumar.

Geelani’s comments came after more than two months of violence following the killing of insurgent leader Burhan Wani. At least 62 people have died — unofficial estimates put the number at 75 — and thousands injured. The government blames Pakistan for fanning the unrest.

(with agency inputs)