SRINAGAR; 14, Aug 2013: The veteran leader and the Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called off the strike on Friday, and instead urged people to observed a shutdown across Kashmir the next day i,e 17th of August on Saturday.

Chairman of his own faction of the Hurriyat, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq had appealed to pro-freedom leaders not to call for shutdown on Fridays.

“It is on Fridays that pro-azadi leaders get a chance to interact with people on the occasion of congregational prayers. I request all pro-freedom organizations not to call for any protests or shutdowns on Fridays as it gives a pretext to government to enforce curfew and restrictions or place pro-azadi leaders under house arrest,” he had said.

Geelani had called for a shutdown on Thursday, India’s Independence Day, and also on Friday against  Village Defence Committes, whose role has come into question following communal clashes in Kishtwar.

The veteran leader has now called for a shutdown on Thursday and Saturday, leaving Friday.

Media Advisor to Hurriyat (M) Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam appreciated the gesture from Geelani. “It is a good beginning and I hope profreedom leadership in future will reach to a consensus on important issues,” Shahid told. (KNS)