Somewhere in J&K....

Separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for a bandh to protest musician Zubin Mehta’s concert in Srinagar five days later, saying such events “will adversely impact Kashmir’s disputed nature’’.
The German embassy in India is organizing the event with the government’s help as part of its broader engagement. “The government seems adamant on organizing the show. We appeal to the people of Kashmir to hold protest demonstrations after Friday prayers and observe a complete shut down on Saturday,” Geelani told reporters.
He said they were not against Mehta or Germany. “But such an event should not be held at a place where human rights violations are taking place,” he said. “Any sort of international activity, be it political, diplomatic, cultural or sports, will have an adverse impact on the disputed nature of Jammu & Kashmir.’’
Geelani asked Germany to play “a responsible role and keep away from any such move that affects the noble cause of people in Kashmir”.
The separatist reminded German ambassador Michel Stenier about the comments of an EU delegation, which visited Kashmir in 2004. “It had described the situation as grim and declared Kashmir a ‘beautiful prison’ and supported the just cause of Kashmiris,’’ he said. “It is not suitable for a responsible member of EU to organize a cultural programme for a selected gathering for their entertainment, ignoring the sufferings of inmates of this beautiful jail.’’
Earlier, separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, along with a civil society group, had opposed the event citing Kashmir’s “disputed nature’’. He said the crores to be spent on the event should instead be utilized for healthcare and education in J&K. The concert organizers have made it clear that the event would go ahead as per schedule.