Geelani’s aide released, Asiya’s hubby likely to follow
After 30 deaths in 7 days, a day of no casualty in Valley

Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

SRINAGAR, Aug 6: Even as demonstrations and clashes of groups continued with Police and CRPF on the eight consecutive day of curfew in Kashmir valley today, it was a zero-casualty day after 30 deaths in the last seven days. One person sustained gunshot wound in a clash in Sopore area. Authorities have, meanwhile, released separatist hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s confidante, Ayaz Akbar, while simultaneously clearing decks for the release of hardliner Dukhataraan-e-Millat Chairperson Asiya Andrabi’s husband.

Putting the arrest of separatist leaders on freeze, Omar Abdullah’s government today released Hurriyat (G) spokesperson, Ayaz Akbar, from one-and-a-half month long detention under Public Safety Act. Geelani’s confidante, Akbar had been arrested at his Srinagar residence on June 22nd last and lodged in a jail at Kathua. Official sources said that Chief Minister had promised then detainee Syed Ali Shah Geelani through his emissary Devender Singh Rana that some of the separatists detained under PSA would be released in case the octogenarian leader pursued his political activity peacefully.

It was not, however, clear whether the authorities had abandoned search for prominent separatist leaders, notably Massarat Alam and Asiya Andrabi, who have been organizing violent protest demonstrations and clashes with Police and CRPF all over the valley from their secret whereabouts since June. Geelani had initially demanded release of all the political detainees when Omar Abdullah’s government had offered to release the Hurriyat (G) supremo last month.

Sources said that on instructions from Chief Minister’s office, authorities have also begun clearing decks for the release of former Jamiatul Mujahideen supremo, Ashiq Hussain Faktoo alias Dr Qasim, who has been serving life term in jail after a District and Sessions Court held him guilty in the murder of human rights activist H N Wanchoo and Supreme Court of India upheld the conviction. He has been shifted to a Police camp at Humhama and is likely to be released any time. During his imprisonment, Faktoo has also completed a doctorate.

After months of detention and house arrest, Geelani today performed his Friday afternoon prayers at a mosque close to his house in Hyderpora. He addressed the gathering and later led a peaceful demonstration. However, almost all the so-called moderate separatist leaders remained continuously under house arrest.

Meanwhile, notwithstanding a number of demonstrations and clashes of groups with Police and CRPF at several places in violation of curfew, it was first day of zero-casualty after 30 deaths occurred in the last 7 days in Valley. Curfew has been in place in entire Valley since three persons died in clashes with Police on July 30th. As many as twenty-seven civilian demonstrators got killed in different incidents of firing across Valley on the following six days.

Today’s reports said that most of the people remained indoors because of strict enforcement of curfew, incessant rains and also media attention suddenly diverting towards the massive devastation after cloudburst in Leh. Still, anti-India and pro-Azadi demonstrations were reported from over 20 places.

Reports said that one Rameez Ahmed Rishi S/o Ghulam Nabi Rishi R/o Mundji, Sopore, sustained gunshot wounds after Police and CRPF opened fire at Warpora on Sopore-Bandipore Road. Official sources said that CRPF opened fire after a violent crowd attacks its camp and a Police post. Unconfirmed reports said that two more demonstrators got injured.

In Budgam, a 1,000-strong procession of demonstrators clashed with CRPF. Paramilitaries opened fire and dispersed the crowds. Unconfirmed reports said that at least six of the demonstrators got injured in exchange of stone pelting. Reports from Budgam added that miscreants set on fire Panchayat Ghar at Kanipora. Another report from Baramulla said that miscreants torched the building of Government Middle School Kalantra, Kreeri. With this as many as 35 public and private properties have been destroyed in fire in the last seven days of turbulence in Valley.

Lately inducted Rapid Action Force today staged a flag march on some streets in the curfew-bound Srinagar.

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