Withdraw forces, says Geelani

Now that both the separatist and mainstream political parties in Kashmir appear to be agreeing upon a dialogue, the state is finding it tough to curb the Valley’s only dissenting voice.

After months of living under house arrest, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani on Monday managed to catch the state administration unawares with a hurriedly convened press conference.

“We are asking for a complete withdrawal of forces from the Valley and nothing short of it will work in Kashmir,” Geelani said.

The press conference ended dramatically with slogans saying Geelani was the most important leader among the Valley’s separatists.