Release all J&K detenues from jails before Id-ul-Fitr: Geelani

Srinagar, Sep 26 (UNI) Demanding the release of all detenues before the Id-ul-Fitr, breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani alleged that despite court orders, hundreds of people are languishing in state and outside jails for years.

Addressing a press conference here today at the headquarters of the HC, he said thousands of Kashmiris, including women, are languishing in jails in and outside the state for years.

We demand their immediate and unconditional release of all detenues before Id,'' he said.

Mr Geelani alleged that court orders are not being honoured in the state by police and other security agencies as despite quashing of detention, hundreds of detenues are still in jails.

Nazir Ahmad Qasid and his son Farooq Ahmad, whose release was ordered by the Delhi High Court, were rearrested by the CIK here.

The HC chairman reiterated his appeal to people to boycott the election process in the state.

''Election or selection will not help to resolve the Kashmir issue,'' he noted.

About the killing of a leading businessman in the city, he said Nazir Mahajan had won the case he has filed in the court for the closure of a bar in a hotel on the bank of Dal Lake.

Those who do not want the closure of the bar would be possibly responsible for his killing, he said and demanded that the killer be brought to book.

Mr Geelani announced that this time Id-ul-Fitr prayers would be offered at historic Eidgah grounds after 20 years.

UNI