Geelani threatens stir for release of prisoners, stonepelters

Srinagar, Aug 19: Hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani today (Aug 19) threatened to launch an agitation if all political prisoners and stonepelters arrested during the last year's summer unrest were not released before Eid-ul-Fitr.

"If all the political prisoners and those arrested on charges of stone pelting last year are not released before Eid, we will launch an agitation," Geelani told reporters.

Geelani, who was placed under house arrest this morning, said he is not against any dialogue process for resolution of the Kashmir issue, but the Centre has to accept the disputed nature of the state.

Commenting on the protests led by Anna Hazare against corruption, Geelani said the movement started by the Gandhian would not yield any results till people do not transform their conscience at individual level.

"The change has to come from within an individual... Only then can the menace of corruption be eradicated from any society," he added.

PTI