Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone, has strongly condemned the attack on residents of district Kupwara, Narvav and Uri in Sopore and Baramulla town.
According to a statement issued to KNS, Lone said, “I want to make it clear to those youths involved in the attacks to clear any misunderstanding that they might have. These attacks are not indicators of valor, bravery or courage. If anything the attacks depict hooliganism and total cowardice. Stopping helpless civilians and attacking them is no act of bravery. Those youths who try to attain their goals by attacking the innocent civilians will find that the end does not justify the means. We strongly believe that voting and boycott fall within the rights of inhabitants of Kashmir. Such acts of hooliganism if anything attribute motives of fear to those who boycotted.”
Lone further added, “If the attackers are brave enough let them check the index fingers of SPG protected Omar Abdullah or Mufti Sahib. The attacks are bound to result in polarization and further fragment an already fragmented society. There are huge number of people who are from Sopore and Baramulla travel daily to Kupwara and Handwara. There are hundreds of them who own shops in these towns. I dread to imagine the state of affairs if there are reprisals. Already there are reports of reprisals in Handwara and Kupwara. We condemn such acts as well. I appeal to uphold brotherhood.”
Lone went on to say that the youths involved in attacks also need to understand that the reason the state administration is allowing the attacks to take place is the unhappiness of the ruling NC over the polling percentage in district Kupwara. And the youths involved in the attacks also need to check their ranks. The revelations of Gen V K Singh point out to huge sums being paid for such attacks in the past. I hope that it is an act of madness and not a paid act. I once again appeal to the youths to desist from such attacks and also appeal to people of Kupwara to stay calm.