APHC leaders vow to defy rallies ban

SRINAGAR (Agencies) - The puppet government in Held Kashmir imposed a one-month ban Saturday on public gatherings in a move interpreted as a bid to scupper a planned rally by Kashmiris. The order applied to gatherings of five or more in public spaces, a government statement said.

An indefinite curfew has also been imposed in Srinagar.

A committee spearheading recent protests against Indian rule had planned to hold a mass rally Monday in Srinagar.

Hardline Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Geelani has been placed under house arrest ahead of the proposed demonstration but other activists said they intended to march.

“Come what may, we would defy all the restrictions to make the rally a success,” said senior Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik.

The Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee has decided to make Lal Chowk march, that is to be held on October 6, a success even if government of India imposes severe restrictions or uses force against the peaceful protestors.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Coordination Committee’s meeting chaired by JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik was attended by APHC leader Syed Ali Geelani and other JKLF leaders at Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front headquarters at Maisuma. A group of 1,000 volunteers was formed who would work under the supervision of 15 members of the CC’s Organising Committee.

While addressing the media, Mohammad Yasin Malik said, “Volunteer group has been formed who would coordinate and supervise the Lal Chowk Chalo Programme. I appeal people to be peaceful and disciplined to make the programme a grand success”.