SRINAGAR, APRIL 11: The coalition credited for most of the hartal calls in Kashmir vehemently disapproves of a such strikes as they only serve as `diversion tactics' against the `real issues'.The APHC's worry stems from the fact an economic hartal is considered more of a democratic one and evokes a greater response from the masses. Such hartals though anti government, nonetheless, lends the government a democratic touch.This as per the analysts is causing concern to the seperatist. Their authority to call shots and pull the government down by hartals on other issues can get eroded. The seperatist coalition's veteran chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani is completely averse to such hartals. The 71-year-old fire brand Jamat-e-Islami leader had expressed strong resentment at the allotment of high preference to issues other than `real ones' recently while addressing the supporters at the APHC headquarters here.Geelani had said,``Yaed Gachini Kalas khasen" (issues concerning the stomach should not dominate the real ones). A veiled reference to the hartal against hike in the prices of rice and other essential commodities.``I have said they (government) are exploring all means to create confusion and divert the attention of the people from the real issue. Even when we were released an impression was created that we had softened our stand. These are only diversion tactics,''Geelani avered."Yes, it is an all India issue, but in our state it is being misused by some elements. Nobody has called for a hartal on this price hike '' he claimed. ``We condemn the hike but how can we forget 500 graveyards of martyrs. People should realise that what is important,'' Geelani said.The Hurriyat in the past had preffered not to speak on such issues. This time, sources said, the secessionist conglomerate wants to press home the point that their release was a big boast to their struggle. However, this opportunity is getting overshadowed by the price hike issues.``The focus has definitely shifted from the Hurriyat leaders release and talks to a mundane one. This is certainly going to dominate all other issues. It certainly a disturbing trend from the Hurriyat point of view,'' said political analyst.
