Separatists call for Internet protests

Separatist called for Internet protests against Indian rule in Kashmir as they launched a fresh drive against New Delhi with a crippling strike on Friday.

“We appeal to people to post ‘Go India, Go Back’ on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites on June 27,” senior separatist leader Masarat Alam said in Srinagar.

“The Internet will help us spread our message across the globe,” said Alam as Friday’s strike closed down shops, schools and offices in Srinagar and other towns in the Kashmir valley.

“People will know Kashmiris want Indian troops out,” added Alam, who was released from jail earlier this month after spending nearly two years in custody for participating in huge anti-India protests in 2008.

Alam, like other hardline separatist politicians and militants, wants Kashmir to merge with neighbouring Pakistan. Moderate Kashmiri separatists want the flashpoint Himalayan region to become independent.

Tensions have been running high in revolt-hit Kashmir for months after locals, backed by police, accused the military of killing three civilians in April.

Alam announced a nine-day campaign of “strikes and protests”. He called for a total strike on Friday as well as on July 2 and 3. In between, Alam urged people to hold demonstrations against “India’s occupation of Kashmir.”

Alam’s call came a day after the leader of Kashmir’s separatists, 80-year-old Syed Ali Geelani, was charged under a tough security act with being a threat to public order following a string of public protests.

He was arrested after making a speech against India’s rule.

Geelani has been in and out of jail since rebels launched an insurgency against Indian rule in Kashmir in 1989 that has claimed more than 47,000 lives.

Published in The Express tribune, June 26^th, 2010.