The Hindu : Protests in Kashmir against verdict

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 20, 2002

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National

Protests in Kashmir against verdict

By Shujaat Bukhari

JAMMU DEC. 19. The death sentence handed down to S. A. R. Geelani, Mohammad Afzal and Shaukat Hussain Guru in the Parliament attack case has evoked a strong reaction in the Kashmir Valley. There was a complete strike in the Valley today, while the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader, Javed Mir, and many lawyers were arrested.

Shops, business establishments, banks and offices remained closed even as skeletal transport was seen plying on the roads. In the Maisuma area, the JKLF vice-chairman, Javed Mir, and the Awami Action Committee leader, Shahidul Islam, led a procession protesting the court verdict. "POTA is being used as a war weapon against Kashmiris'' said Mr. Mir. The protesters alleged that the accused had not been given an opportunity to defend themselves. Police stopped them and arrested Mr. Mir and a dozen of his associates. The Kashmir Bar Association also took out a procession.

`Politically motivated'

The separatist leader and chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, Shabir Shah, visited the homes of Afzal and Shaukat and expressed solidarity with their families. He appealed to the people to hold peaceful demonstrations against the verdict tomorrow. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Shah said "it is a politically-motivated decision which has been passed through the judiciary.''

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