People take oath not to attack forces with stones in Kashmir

Pampore, Kashmir, Aug 16 (UNI) Lakhs of people today took an oath that they will not attack the security forces and police with stones during processions and demonstrators in the Kashmir valley.

The oath was administered by Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani to the people who had come to attend the condolence meeting held here to offer 'fateha' to Sheikh Abdul Aziz, a senior HC leader, who was killed in police firing on August 11 at Boniyar, Baramulla, during the Muzaffarabad march.

Mr Geelani said, ''We should not do anything which will justify firing by the security forces. Though it is true that firing on people, who sometimes hurl stones cannot be justified, we should restrain and not allow the security forces to justify their atrocities on us.'' He also cautioned the people, ''There are more than 40,000 Indian agents working round the clock, identifying themselves as our sympathisers. We should be cautious against them and foil their evil designs to sabotage our struggle.'' He asked the people to maintain peace during processions and demonstrations. ''We have to continue such demonstrations until the last Indian soldier leave the state,'' he added.

Mr Geelani strongly condemned the firing on the processionists and demonstrators in the valley resulting in the death of about 30 people and injuries to more than 600 others.

UNI BAS SBC PK KP1810