‘Lingering Kashmir issue a danger for peace in South Asia’
Srinagar: While condemning the restrictions laid on Jamia Masjid in a bid to stop people from offering their first Friday Ramzaan prayers, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has been placed under house arrest since early morning, stated that when entire Muslim Ummah was busy in worship, the biggest religious centre of Kashmir was kept forcibly out of bound for the Kashmiris-a highly regrettable and unacceptable move in the sacred month.
According to a statement issued to KNS, while terming the restrictions laid on peaceful activities of political leaders as extremely aggressive, Mirwaiz stated that policy of repression and coercion would not prove to be helpful for creating a favorable atmosphere towards solution of Kashmir issue. He stated Kashmir has been turned into a military garrison in the wake of the visit of Indian Prime Minister, adding, it should become an eye opener for the Indian leadership to gauge the ground realities existing in Kashmir.
Reiterating that lingering Kashmir issue was a danger for peace in south Asia, He stated that it is a reality that economic progress and regional stability are connected to the solution of Kashmir issue. He stated that till the dispute is not solved in its proper historical perspective, political rights of Kashmiris are not recognized and till the meaningful steps are not take to take the talks forward, tension and instability would continue to rule the region.
Mirwaiz stated that the complete shutdown in Kashmir on the arrival of Indian prime minister clearly reflects where the emotions and aspirations of people lie. He stated that instead of suppressing the prevalent sentiments, the government of India should show political courage to solve the issue. APHC Chairman thanked people for observing complete strike and said people once again showed their unwavering commitment and resolve towards freedom struggle.
Meanwhile, hurriyat spokesman has condemned the house arrest of APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, other senior leaders including Moulana Abbas Ansari, Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam, Syed Salim Geelani, Zaffar Akbar Bhat and Javaid Ahmad Mir. Spokesman also condemned the arrest of Mukhtar Ahmad Waza and Engineer Hilal Ahmad War. Spokesman said the authorities have usurped the rights of hurriyat leaders by laying restrictions on their social, political and religious activities.