According to KMS, Ali Gilani was speaking at a book launching function in Srinagar. The book "Rooh-e-Deen Ka Shanasa" is written by Syed Ali Gilani on the great poet of East Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He said that India had virtually waged a war against its minorities particularly Muslim community. While addressing a selected gathering, he reiterated call for complete boycott of upcoming election in south Kashmir, and said that unprecedented poll boycott in Srinagar-Budgam constituency had defeated unnerved and disenchanted Delhi and its stooges. Referring to India and its authorities, Syed Ali Gilani said that India was emerging as most intolerant state and their rhetoric about democracy proved hoax. The authorities are backing Hindu terrorists and extreme elements, he added.
He said, "People's uprising in 2016 rejuvenated freedom movement in the territory and since long we were insisting our people to boycott these elections. It is positive direction that we feel and a clear message to Delhi and its henchmen in the territory."
Criticizing Delhi authorities, the APHC Chairman said that their prime target was Islam and they were desperate to carry massacre of Muslim community at large scale. He said, "It is our foremost duty to safeguard our Muslim identity and spiritual values." Referring to teachings of Allama Iqbal, he said that he was a great scholar with missionary sprit and supported unification of Muslims as one Ummah. His teachings represented the crux of Islam and conveyed a message to resent and resist tyrant forces.
An APHC spokesman in a statement said, "The puppet administration once again deployed police around Gilani's residence-cum-office in Hyderpora where people from different walks of life were expected to attend the book release function."