Srinagar
Hurriyat Conference (m) chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday expressed grief and sorrow at the death of a civilian killed in forces’ firing in Gabarpora village of Pulwama district.
In a statement, Mirwaiz said “even the hospital was not spared where a nurse and young girl were shot at.”
Mirwaiz said people of Kashmir are paying a huge price for standing up for their just cause and resolution of the dispute.
“It is a crucial phase in our struggle that we are going through as Govt of India is using all methods and ploys to crush us and our political movement,” said the Mirwaiz.
He said people have to be vigilant and discerning against these ploys and safeguard the great sacrifices made by one and all.
Mirwaiz said while the people of entire valley are a target for the government, the people of south Kashmir are bearing the maximum brunt of state repression while people of downtown are specifically subject to physical and mental torture by them to teach them a “lesson”.
“Yesterday evening police and forces without any reason beat up the people ruthlessly both inside their homes and on the roads not even sparing the women and children. Later, a lot of people especially youth were also arbitrarily arrested and put in jails,” he said, adding “such intimidating tactics will not break the will of the people.”
Mirwaiz said each day the Indian media carries out a trial against the leadership at the behest of the Govt, through falsehood and distortion of facts to vitiate the atmosphere in India against us.
He said one cannot argue or engage with lies especially when propaganda is used as a war weapon by a mighty adversary who controls all the resources to do so.
“The only counter that we have is faith in our cause and the courage to face every challenge thrown our way.”
Mirwaiz reiterated that Kashmir is an internationally acknowledged dispute and the political aspirations and will of the people as to be respected and engaged with by GOI to find a lasting solution.
He said no amount of repression or propaganda can alter that reality.
