Geelani, others protest against unidentified graves

Srinagar, Apr 16 (UNI) Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani along with his supporters today staged a dharna here demanding identification of unidentified graves, whereabouts of missing persons and cessation of alleged atrocities by security forces in the valley.

The decision to stage protest dharna near Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) was taken by Majlis Shoura, the highest decision making body of the HC recently.

Spokesman of the HC Aiyaz Akbar said the protest was against the unidentified graves found in different parts of the valley, particularly in Uri and other northern areas, plight of detenues in different jails and immoral activities and other social evils being encouraged by the government.

Mr Geelani said it was necessary to identify those who were buried in these graves. However, he said, a team of UN Tribunal for War Crimes should be allowed to investigate to bring the truth out.

He said thousands of Kashmiri youths were missing after their arrest by the security forces during the past 20 years.

UNI BAS SP GC1636