KL Report
SRINAGAR
While expressing surprise over the statement of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, the chairman of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Geelani has alleged that Gandhi was deliberately “playing down the situation to conceal the realities.”
“The statement of Gandhi (Sonia) is nothing but a crude joke with the people of Kashmir… The drama is enacted with an eye on the next year’s general elections,” Geelani said in a statement.
Gandhi, yesterday had expressed her satisfaction over “remarkable progress” made in Jammu and Kashmir but emphasized the need to take note of the cry of pain and anguish emanating from some sections of the society.
Geelani who continues to be under house arrest since February 9, when Muhammad Afzal Guru was hanged secretly in Tihar jail, has demanded return of the mortal remains of Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, who was hanged in the same jail in 1984.
“If Congress president is sincere in resolving Kashmir issue then she should accept the demand of Kashmiris on priority and return the mortal remains of JKLF founder Muhammad Maqbool Bhat and Guru to their families,” Geelani said.
The Hurriyat leader said since the Congress president herself is a woman she can well understand the pain of a woman who was even not allowed to meet her husband prior to his execution.
The Hurriyat leader has also criticised the Congress for continuation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and said even interlocutors appointed by it have recommended for the revocation of the law from the state.
