Syed Ali Geelani who spearheaded a wave of protests against Indian rule in held Kashmir called Saturday for fresh demonstrations to coincide with US President Barack Obama's visit to India. Syed Ali Geelani announced a new 10-day general strike starting on Saturday that will still be in effect when Obama arrives the following Saturday in Mumbai.
Geelani said Obama's planned visit to India has turned the world spotlight on South Asia and on Kashmir in particular. "Those who show any laxity or violate the protest programme during these days will not only commit treason with the martyrs' blood but also do irreparable damage to the collective cause of nation," Geelani said.