'Solidarity with women victims in Kashmir'

KT NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Feb 5: J&K Liberation Front chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik today said death anniversary of JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Butt this year will be observed as women's day. The party has given a strike call on February 11.
Malik, in a statement issued on the death anniversary of late Maqbool Butt, said he is a national hero. "Entire Kashmiri nation is following his footsteps and giving great sacrifices for the cause", he said.
He said sacrifice and the efforts of Butt in the freedom struggle is a priceless asset of the Kashmiri nation.
JKLF chairman said lakhs of people have offered their sacrifices for achieving that goal. "The forces have outraged the modesty of our sisters and daughters. They are using rape as a weapon of war and this crime of theirs cannot be forgiven", he said.
The front has decided to observe February 11 this year as women's day. "We will show our solidarity with those sisters and daughters who have been targeted by forces", he said.
JKLF chairman said protest demonstrations will be organised in England, New York, Canada, Islamabad and Muzaffarabad against the violations committed by forces on women here. "We will hold protests against Indian forces for using rape as a weapon of war here", he said.
Malik said there will be a complete strike across on that day. "The business establishments, transport and offices will remain closed and the people will prove it before the world that Kashmiris want nothing less than complete independence", he said. He hoped people will make its programme for February 11 a success.
The front chairman said Maqbool Bhat award will be given this year as well and the amount fixed for that will this time be given to 10 year old Shabnum Rasheed of Handwara and 60 year old Hakeem Jan of Saler Palwama, alleged victims of security forces.