Geelani condemns attacks on Amarnath pilgrims, tourists

Srinagar, July 29 (IANS) Senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani on Friday condemned attacks on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and tourists in the Valley and appealed people to beware of "those are out to defame the genuine struggle of Kashmiris".

In a statement issued here, the Geelani-headed Hurriyat group and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat said Geelani has distanced himself and his party from elements who reportedly indulge in creating confusion among the masses.

These miscreants move on motor bikes and scooters distributing pamphlets among the people inviting them against Amarnath Yatris and the tourists, the statement said.

"Some masked people are moving in the Anantnag district on scooters and motor bikes without number plates and are distributing posters and pamphlets against the Amarnath Yatris (pilgrims)in the name of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat," it said, adding that Geelani made it clear that it is the "wicked planning of the government and the Indian agencies which we condemn in strongest words".

"We are neither against the Yatris nor the tourists and nor any other Indian person, but we want that these people should come here and personally witness our freedom struggle so that they can tell their rulers back in India that you are fighting a lost war in Kashmir.

"Geelani Sahib appealed the pro-freedom people particularly youths of the areas to stop these elements from these activities otherwise the wicked conspiracies of the enemies will succeed in defaming our freedom struggle," it said.