Geelani leads protest march to seek Afzal's release

Srinagar, Oct 19 (UNI) Firebrand separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani today led a peaceful protest march here demanding release of Mohammad Afzal Guru, who has been convicted in the December 13, 2001 attack case and awarded death penalty.

The protestors gathered at Koker Bazar this afternoon and marched towards the Press Colony here shouting slogans and carrying posters and banners in support of Afzal Guru.

Mr Geelani, who heads a rival faction of the Hurriyat Conference, led the peaceful march.

''Dr Mohammad Afzal Guru...We Are Proud Of You....'' read the banners and posters in English and Urdu.

Later addressing the protestors at the Press Colony, Mr Geelani demanded immediate release of Afzal Guru. ''Afzal's hanging will be a murder of justice. We have been demanding that Afzal be given a chance to defend himself,'' he added.

Mr Geelani threatened of dire consequences if he was hanged on tomorrow, as per a Delhi court order.

He appealed to the people to observe complete shutdown and hold protests for three consecutive days if Afzal Guru was hanged to mourn and express solidarity with his family members.

The hardline separatist leader asked the people to offer ''Jinazah (last prayers)'' in absentia throughout the state if Afzal Guru was hanged.

UNI AG AK HT1652