JK: Lakhs join Hurriyat meeting at Eidgah

Srinagar, Aug 22: All roads were leading to Edigah, where lakhs of people today joined the Friday congregation, organised by the Coordination Committee (CC), spearheading the present agitation, demanding the opening of the Jhelum valley and other roads with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), release of all detenues, withdrawal of troops and special powers to security forces.

Thousands of people from different parts of the summer capital were seen marching towards the Eidgah ground in the downtown since morning to get space more closer to have a glimpse of the senior Hurriyat Leaders who would address the congregation.

However, hundreds of vehicles, carrying people, were also seen heading towards the venue.

Youths, holding black and green flags, were on their motorcycles and scooters, raising slogans in different parts of the city.

The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) started the march along with thousands of its supporters from front headquarter at 1100 hrs towards Edigah through old city.

Other separatist leaders with their supporters were also heading towards the Eidgah.

A report from Baramulla said more than 100 buses, trucks and other vehicles left the the town for Edigah. It said similar reports were also received from Sopore and other major towns of north Kashmir.

Hundreds of vehicles, including buses, trucks, tippers and other private vehicles, with people from different towns and other areas of south Kashmir, were also heading for Eidgah.

This would be a third show of strength by the CC, an alliance of both the factions of the HC, all other separatist organisations, fruit growers, the Kashmir Bar Association and others, since August 11 when thousands joined the Muzaffarabad chalo' call. On August 18, lakhs also joined a call to 'Sonawar chalo'.

UNI