Separatist leaders withdraw strike call on Friday for Mahashivratri

SRINAGAR The Valley's separatist leadership has called off their strike coming Friday, keeping in mind the celebration of Mahashivratri on that day.

Speaking to HT, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat faction, Shahidul Islam, confirmed the decision.

“Joint leadership said we have exemplary tradition of mutual brotherhood and since ages we are living in harmony,” the leaders said.

The statement added, “While issuing the resistance programme, we did not notice the commencing festival. Later, members from the Pandit community invited our attention and, after consultations, the resistance leadership called off the strike proposed for Friday.”

Earlier, in their fortnightly calendar, the joint separatist leadership – including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik – had called for a strike on Friday, February 24.