Srinagar: Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani has condemned the “use of excessive force and crackdowns” against civilians and especially in southern Kashmir districts of Shopian, Kulgam, and Pulwama.

In a statement, Geelani expressed concern over increased use of “repressive measures” against civilians, students, and continuous detention of pro-freedom activists.

Geelani said authorities have waged a war against civilians and in his appeal to youth, asked to maintain discipline and order during the resistance against state-sponsored terrorism and urged them to remain cautious and show wisdom.

“It is of grave concern that police and other forces through brutal actions are annoying youth to push them to a wall,” he said.

He denounced the use of brute forces against the populace of south Kashmir and strongly condemned the brazen act of ‘state terrorism’.

“Forces are laying siege against villages and during the crackdown, people are thrashed and properties ransacked. Even people are showered with bullets & pellets during their resentment against this barbarism,” said Hurriyat Chairman.

Geelani in a statement said that India has made a Kashmir as a battlefield and to accomplish the volatile situation in Kashmir, Indian leaders and their Army Generals arrogant and unrealistic statements add fuel to the fire.

“They subject people to the worst kind of punishment for demanding their right, right to self-determination, as promised and agreed by their leadership in presence of the world community,” said Geelani.

Geelani in a statement said that India should accept defeat as they have lost their credibility and legitimacy. No accountability exists on the ground as forces have been vested with unbridled powers to harass people.