Separatist leader of Jammu and Kashmir Syed Ali Geelani has sought support from a number of countries – including Pakistan, China, Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia – to end the worsening unrest in the state. In a letter addressed to the heads of the permanent members of the Unites Nations Security Council pro-freedom leader has urged them to push India to 'accept disputed nature of J&K, repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and start a rapid demilitarisation process immediately', The Economic Times reported.
The letter was addressed to a few organisations as well, such as the European Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. "These countries have a special responsibility to intervene, to stop this reign of terror by India in J&K...We believe a good beginning could be made to create an atmosphere conducive for peace and resolution, if you use your good offices to urge India to take the...confidence building measures," Geelani wrote, adding that India must accept people's "right to self-determination", dna reported.
The separatist also demanded that political prisoners be released from house arrest and prisons and be allowed to conduct political activities in Jammu and Kashmir, where curfew-like restrictions continue to be imposed for the tenth straight day. More than 3,200 people, including some 1,500 security personnel, have been injured in the violence that ensued after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. So far, at least 41 people have been killed in the protests in the state, where internet services continue to be restricted and the media is being gagged.
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