Separatists groups in J&K calls for strike against PM

They said that development in the south Asian region cannot be fulfilled without resolution of Kashmir issue

Separatists groups, including all the three factions of Hurriyat Conference, today called for a general strike on Friday to protest against the visit of Prime Minister Narendera Modi to Jammu and Kashmir.

"We appeal to the people to observe a complete strike on July 4 against the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jammu and Kashmir and convey to the outside world that the dream of peace, prosperity and development in the south Asian region cannot be fulfilled without resolution of Kashmir issue," moderate Hurriyat headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said.

The Hurriyat said Kashmir is a political and human issue and the future of crores of people are connected with it.

"There might be some economic aspects of the Prime Minister's visit but we want to make it clear that Kashmir is not an economic issue and the sacrifices rendered by the people cannot be traded," the amalgam said accusing the Centre of turning Kashmir into a military state.

While calling for "unprecedented" strike on Friday, Chairman of hardline Hurriyat Syed Ali Shah Geelani cautioned against revocation of Article 370 of the constitution, rehabilitation of Kashmiri pandits in three separate zones in the valley and providing domicile rights to Pakistani refugees saying "it is a dangerous game plan which has the potential to further the political uncertainty and instability in the region besides harming peace."

Another Hurriyat faction headed by Shabir Ahmad Sah and JKLF Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik also called for general strike on July 4 to protest Modi's visit.