Srinagar, Oct 19 : Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the Chairman of the hardline faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), on Monday alleged that India is following policies of Israel and trying to change the demography of the Himalayan region.

Addressing reporters here, Geelani accused India of occupying agricultural land for setting up army camps there.

"India is following footsteps of Israel and trying to convert majority community into minority. Locals have been deprived of their lands. Deforestation is taking place. India is trying to change the demography of the region," said Geelani.

He also pointed out that tens of thousands acres of lands have been occupied by Indian forces for their camps and headquarters.

Geelani added that Hurriyat would hold strike and shutdown to protest against illegal occupation of Indian army.

"We will observe a shutdown and protest in every district, including the northern and southern region of the valley," he said.

Geelani also informed Shopian town would observe the first shutdown on October 23.

Asiya (17) and her sister-in-law Neelofar (22) were raped and killed in Shopian during the intervening night of May 29-30.

After the news conference, Hurriyat supporters tried to hold a demonstration before the police prevented them. Police also arrested several people for breaking law and order. (ANI)