KL Report
Srinagar
Taking a dig at authorities, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has sternly condemned the imposition of curfew in the entire Kashmir and stated that it clearly reflects that “autocratic nature of the people who are at the helm of state affairs.”
In a statement Mirwaiz appealed people to observe complete strike on July 19 and 20 and stage peaceful protest and offer in-absentia prayers for the half dozen people who were killed by the BSF in Daram Village of Gool.
However, he said that authorities once again resorted to their often repeated “dictatorial tactics by confining the population entire valley in their homes.”
The Hurriyat (M) spokesperson said even all roads leading to historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar were sealed and thus it remained out of bound for the people who pour in from across Kashmir to offer prayers and listen to the Friday sermons in the wake of holy month of Ramdhan.
He said the people were prevented from offering congregational prayers in Imam Baras, major Masjids, and Shrines across the Kashmir.
The spokesman said Mirwaiz was placed under house arrest soon after the Gool incident. “Curbs were laid on his political, religious and social activities. Mirwaiz could not offer prayers for the second consecutive Friday in the holy month of Ramdhan,” he added.
The Hurriyat (M) termed the action of government as direct interference in the religious affairs of the chief cleric of Jammu and Kashmir and sternly condemned it.
While being house arrest, the spokesman said that Mirwaiz has paid rich tributes to the martyrs of gool and expressed his solidarity and sympathy with the injured and inhabitants of Ramban. He told the people of Ramban that they were not alone in these testing times. He said Hurriyat and people of entire Jammu and Kashmir were standing united with them in their support.
Mirwaiz rubbished the claims of IG BSF and state home minister that a local teacher of Dar-ul-Uloom instigated people which led to the blood bath in Gool. Mocking at their statements, he said these were highly regrettable statements that instead of indicting erring troopers they were blaming innocent civilians for the tragedy.
In reality, Mirwaiz said that Indian forces in Kashmir have official licenses to kill innocent people whenever they wish. He said nobody would dare to even question them for that.
Mirwaiz demanded strong punishment for the troopers involved in the desecration of Quran. He, however, said that everybody is aware of the role of investigating agencies and end result of inquiries and commission in such cases. He said in the recent past such exercises have turned to be futile and time buying instruments to protect the troopers. He said so for no trooper has been indicted or either awarded punishment in the government inquiries and commissions.
