KL Report
Srinagar
Amid rage in Indian establishment against passing of a resolution by Pakistan National Assembly on Afzal Guru’s hanging, separatists are mulling to convey appreciation to Islamabad after visiting Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on the eve of ‘Youm e Pakistan’.
However with the government unlikely to allow them to attend the celebrations, Hurriyat Conference (M) has decided to send a high level delegation to attend the ceremony.
Around 100 separatist leaders and activists including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, Bilal Gani Lone, Mohamad Yasin Malik, Prof Ab Gani Bhat, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Nayeem Ahmad Khan have been invited by Pak High Commission in New Delhi to join the celebration on March 22.
“I have received invitation from Pak high commission but keeping in view the prevailing situation in valley, I would stay back in Srinagar”, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq told alocal news agency, KNS over phone on Sunday evening.
He however said that a delegation of his faction of Hurriyat would be travelling to New Delhi to participate in the celebrations at Pak High Commission. Mirwaiz added that the delegation would offer good wishes to people of Pakistan and would also express gratitude to government of Pakistan for passing a resolution on Afzal Guru’s hanging.
He, however, made it clear that his decision of not going to New Delhi was not based on his home detention. “Whether I would be under house arrest or be allowed to move out, I won’t leave Srinagar in such situation”, Mirwaiz clarified.
Pertinently most of the separatist leaders are currently either lodged in various jails and police stations or put under house arrest.
Chairmen of both the factions of Hurriayt Conference, Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, JKLF Chiarman Mohamad Yasin Malik, and other senior leaders are under house arrest, whereas Shabir Ahmad Shah has been shifted to Kotbalwal Jail, and Nayeem Ahmad Khan detained in jail.
Meanwhile it was unlikely that the government would lift the restriction on the separatist leadership and allow them to travel to Delhi for the event.
Though the state government expressed ignorance about the invitation having been extended to separatist leaders, sources in the administration told KNS, that chances of allowing any separatist leader to attend the celebrations were minimal.
“This is news for me, I am not aware if any separatist leader has been invited by Pakistan”, Minister Of State For home, Sajad Ahmad Kichlo told KNS.
