"Hindu festival Shivratri falls on the same date so joint leadership (separatist camp) has decided to cancel the protest call," the Syed Ali Shah Geelani-led Hurriyat spokesperson Ayaz Akbar told TOI today. "We weren't aware that the Shivratri festival falls on (the) coming Friday (February 24). We have taken note and will reschedule protest soon," he added.Meanwhile, other constituent parties, including the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat, also expressed their concern over the protest date coinciding with the Hindu festival. "The issue is under consideration and new date will be announced soon," the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat spokesperson Shahid-ul-Islam told TOI. Identity of informant shall be kept confidential," he said.Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva.

Source: Times of India February 20, 2017 05:54 UTC