Chairman of Moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq on Tuesday asked people not to indulge in violence while agitating against the "economic blockade" of Kashmir valley by the Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti.
"I appeal to people not to indulge in violence. Our agitation is genuine and we should not be branded as rioters," Mirwaiz said, while addressing a massive gathering at the funeral of Hurriyat leader Shiekh Abdul Aziz at Eidgah Graveyard.
He asked supporters not to attack any public or private property or persons belonging to opposing political ideologies or members of minority communities.
The Hurriyat chairman said the coordination committee of the separatists will meet within a couple of days to chalk out the future course of action.
He said a "complete strike" will be observed in the next three days in protest against the killing of "peaceful" protesters including Aziz in police firing on Monday.
Mirwaiz also appealed to people to observe August 15, India's Independence day, as a black day. "The government employees and parents of schoolchildren have also been appealed to boycott the functions on August 15."
"The defiance of curfew by people today proved that Kashmiris cannot be beaten into suppression and they will continue their struggle till they achieve the right to self determination."
{{/usCountry}}"The defiance of curfew by people today proved that Kashmiris cannot be beaten into suppression and they will continue their struggle till they achieve the right to self determination."
{{/usCountry}}Thousands of people today defied curfew and gathered outside residences of the separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, before taking part in a procession for performing the last rites of slain leader Shiekh Abdul Aziz.