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| Geelani refers to Zubin Mehta as Israeli agent, calls for strike on September 7 | | | Jehangir Rashid
SRINAGAR, Sept 2: Senior separatist leader and chairman of his faction of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani today accused noted instrumentalist Zubin Mehta of forwarding agenda of Israel in the garb of holding musical concert programme in the summer capital of state on September 7.
Addressing a press conference here, Geelani asked people to observe complete strike on September 7 as a mark of protest against the holding of musical concert programme. He said people more so the students of colleges and universities should protest against the musical programme after the Friday prayers on September 6.
"Zubin Mehta has a track record of performing in the conflict hit areas across the globe. His motto is to dilute the disputed nature of Kashmir and we would not allow him to do so. Strike on the day of concert would give out a clear signal to the outside world that people of Kashmir are not interested in music as long as occupation is there," said Geelani.
The separatist leader asked the state Government to listen to the objections raised by people over the proposed holding of concert in Srinagar. He said it would be in tune with the people's aspirations and expectations that the musical concert is cancelled without any further delay by the state Government.
"We are in a state of mourning and how can we be a part of the musical concert programmes. An impression is being created that we are against Germany or any other foreign country by opposing the holding of this musical concert programme. There is nothing like that and we will continue welcoming tourists from any part of India or any foreign country," said Geelani.
Geelani said that musical or cultural programmes held in a conflict zone have always a political tinge attached with them. He said same is the case with the holding of Zubin Mehta musical concert programme adding people should understand this. He said holding of such programmes is justified only when the people are free and there is no 'subjugation'.
"European Union had in 2004 said that Kashmir is a beautiful prison and there is huge concentration of armed forces in Kashmir. Therefore, holding of such programmes goes against the importance of Kashmir issue and as such they need to be stopped. If we cannot stop them still then we can raise our voice against such events," said Geelani.
Justifying his call for strike, the separatist leader said that same is being done to give out a message to the outside world that a common Kashmiri is against the holding of a musical concert given the present ground situation. He sought support from the transporters in making the strike of September 7 a success. |
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