Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 2: Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani today called for complete shutdown on September 7 against the Zubin Mehta’s musical concert that is being held at Shalimar Garden in Srinagar.
While addressing a press conference at his Hyderpora residence, Geelani appealed people to stage peaceful protests after Friday prayers on September 6, over Mehta’s concert .
The concert is being held at Shalimar Garden in Srinagar on September 7 and 1500 guests with 700 from outside are attending it. The Shalimar garden is being given a facelift for the concert.
“We had appealed chief organiser German Ambassador Michael Steiner to cancel the event, but there has been no response from him,” said Geelani.
Geelani said: “I appeal peace loving Kashmir people particularly students to hold demonstration after Friday congregation on September 6. On the day of the event Kashmir people should observe a complete shutdown. The shutdown is not against any nation or person but we want to tell the world about the pain and oppression that we have undergone. We want to tell the world that in a place where people mourn the death of their loved ones organizing music events is rubbing salt on their wounds.”
“We have reports that Zubin Mehta is carrying forward the program of Israel. His agenda is to go to occupied nations and perform musical shows in order to hide the human rights violation and cover occupation,” Geelani said.
“However, we welcome all the people may they be Indians or Germans but Kashmir is a conflict zone. Our stand has always be clear that no international event of any nature must be held in the region as it dilutes its status of being the most protracted conflict in recent history,” Geelani said.
The move has not only faced opposition from civil society and Human Rights groups but also lawmakers and artists have raised concerns over the event.
The civil society of Kashmir is simultaneously holding a cultural event “Haqeeqat-e Kashmir” (The Reality of Kashmir) on September 7, the day which coincides with Zubin Mehta concert scheduled to be organized by Germany along with 100-member orchestra team.
However, when asked about whether he supported the parallel event, Geelani replied: “Anyone can organize an event.”
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