KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, Jan 22: Both factions of Hurriyat Conference and Hizbul Mujahideen have called for a general strike on Republic Day.
Hurriyat Conference (A) has appealed the people to observe a complete strike on January 26 saying that the same would convey the message that Kashmiris have never accepted the "illegal occupation" of their land.
In a statement, a spokesman of the conglomerate said that the appeal was made during a meeting of faction chaired by Maulana Abbas Ansari.
He added that the complete strike on this day would prove to the entire world that Kashmiris would carry on with their "movement" until they become free from the "illegal occupation" of Government of India.
The spokesman appealed the people to be vigilant against the people who want to create a Shia-Sunni wedge in general and especially during the month of Muharram.
He added that those who want to create differences among the people can never be friends of the common masses.
Hurriyat conference (G) has also appealed the people to observe a complete strike on January 26.
A spokesman of Hurriyat said that there can be no end to violence in Kashmir unless the issue is not solved once for all.
The spokesman added, "We question the intellectual class of India that how does it suit them to celebrate the republic day of a country which has curbed the democratic rights of Kashmiris from the last 60 years." The spokesman observed that India claiming of being a largest democracy in the world has cramped the rights of Kashmiris.
"We have nothing against the people of India and we are not averse to its republic day celebrations but the behavior of its security forces in Kashmir is not acceptable to the Hurriyat," the spokesman added.
He further said that people's resolve to achieve the right to self determination gets strengthened when the 'India celebrates its republic day.' Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) too has asked the people to observe a complete strike on January 26 adding the day should be observed as a "black day".
In a tele-statement to local news agencies KNS and CNS, Junaid-ul-Islam, spokesman of HM has said that people should remain indoors on this day and thus prove that they are a part and parcel of the "ongoing movement".
He added that on one side the Government of India is celebrating its republic day on January 26 and on the other side Kashmiris have been deprived of their basic and democratic rights.
Junaid said it is due to the non-fulfillment of these rights that the common masses have started a meaningful struggle.
He added that behind the scene activities are going on to sabotage the "ongoing movement" and these efforts are strengthened by the people who talk about peace and peace process.
The spokesman appealed the employees as well as school going children not to take any part in the functions being organized by government on this day.
He expressed his strong reservations against the order issued by government asking the employees to make themselves present for duties on January 26.
