Srinagar: In occupied Kashmir, the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Gilani has said that the escalating tension between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India poses a widespread threat to a large chunk of human population in South Asia and global peace at large.
Syed Ali Gilani in a statement issued in Srinagar advised India to read writing on the wall and fulfill its commitment made before the international community. The APHC Chairman expressed deep concern over the supply of helicopters loaded with war-heads to Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force and lethal weaponry and armoured vehicles to police in the territory. He termed the move a brazen military action. Syed Ali Gilani asked Indian authorities to shun their military approach and initiate political measures for resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Meanwhile, complete shutdown was observed in Kulgam district for the second consecutive day, today, against the killing of two youth, Dawood Ahmad Ilahi and Sayar Ahmad Wani by Indian troops at Khudwani, yesterday. All shops and business establishments were closed while traffic remained off the road in Kulgam, Qaimoh, Yaripora, Devsar and Damhal Hanjipora areas.
Hurriyat leaders and organizations including Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik in their statements paid glowing tributes to the youth martyred by the troops in Kulgam. They said that India was forcing the Kashmiri youth to opt for armed struggle by pushing them against the wall. Teams of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat and Salvation Movement visited Kupwara and Baramulla to express solidarity with the families of the martyrs.
Indian army launched a cordon and search operation in Tral area of Pulwama district, today. The troops sealed all entry and exit points of the area and started checking and frisking of motorists and pedestrians.
On the other hand, Kashmir Editors Guild in a statement issued in Srinagar expressed serious concern over the continued detention of photojournalist Kamran Yousuf. The journalist body said that the Delhi-based National Investigation Agency had arrested Kamran Yousuf in violation of legal norms prevalent in a democratic set-up.