Geelani, Mirwaiz, Yasin share stage, call for unity among separatists

by Shivendra Singh · April 21, 2015

Geelani, Mirwaiz and Yaseen Malik on way to Narbal. (Source: IE photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

For the first time since 2008, Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Yasin Malik shared the stage at a rally in Narbal on Monday to show solidarity with the family of a teenager killed in police firing.

The leaders, who were placed under house arrest following deaths of Khalid Muzaffar, 25, and Suhail Ahmad Sofi, 15, were released Sunday evening.

Related

J&K: Police detain separatist leader Yasin Malik, social activist Swami Agnavesh

Simply relaxing AFSPA won’t do,settle Kashmir issue: Mirwaiz,Yasin to Delhi

Mirwaiz,other separatists leaders under house arrest

During the joint rally, the leaders spoke of a “united stand” on the Kashmir issue. “The pro-freedom people have a similar stand on the Indian occupation and elections,” Geelani said, adding: “We may be separate but we have a unity of thought”.

While the Mirwaiz said the “people of Kashmir are united in pursuing their goal and mission of martyrs”, Malik said “it is time for pro-freedom camp to stand united.”

The rally is significant in backdrop of a “push for unity” from Pakistan, which has asked separatist leaders to unite under one umbrella. In past two weeks, several separatist leaders have left the Mirwaiz-led moderate Hurriyat, planning to join the Geelani-led conglomerate.

Source:: Indian Express