JKNT
Srinagar, November 7 ( JKNT) All eyes here are set on Hyderpora residence of senior Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani with a hope that he and others of his league, would deliver some good news to them, relieving them of the excruciating shutdowns for the past four months.
Geelani, All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chief Mohammad Yasin Malik are supposed to meet again tomorrow involving all other stake holders- traders, transporters, hoteliers, business houses, academicians and shopkeepers and business-cum industry groups to chalk out “ future course of action “ regarding the “ freedom struggle.”
It is being hoped that the separatist leadership would announce greater period of relaxation and exempt the schools from the shutdown calls, if any, in future. “ We are optimistic that the ( separatist) leadership would heed our grievances and relieve us from the economically crippling shutdowns,” observed Imitiyaz Ahmad , a shopkeeper in Maharaj Bazar here.
He has been out of business for the four months. He has borrowed money from relatives and friends to make both ends meet. “ It is tale of many like me,” he observed.
There is a wide realization that the miscreants having their interest in disruption of normal life have hijacked the agitation. These miscreants have burnt schools, torched and stoned vehicles, at times giving glimpses of anarchy. Kashmir sentiment is with the separatists to some extent , who have demanded that the “ freedom struggle” should continue. But at the same time there are daily needs that need to be fulfilled and in the economy having been derailed, it is becoming difficult for the common man to survive with respect.
Last four months situation in Kashmir has also evoked envy among many quarters as they have seen that the fruit growers and merchants and other trading classes doing roaring business during the relaxation periods, while they have to look for means to fulfill their daily needs. “ It is a grave injustice with us,” said Shoaib , a taxi driver who had taken loan of Rs 4 lakh from the bank. “ Now , how do I pay back as there was no work. There were no tourists , and the locals were confined to their homes,” he asked.
Shoaib is among all those Kashmiris yearning for return of complete normalcy, free of the intrusion and intimidation of the miscreants.
The wait is on for what would be announced from Hyderpora tomorrow.
