By Zishan Amiri
Srinagar, Mar 27: In his first public appearance, the newly elected Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Chairman Muhammad, Ashraf Sehrai, on Tuesday, said the people of Kashmir need to unite against the “terror and injustice” in the Valley.
Addressing a seminar on the death anniversary of human rights lawyer and political activist, Advocate Jalil Andrabi, Sehrai remember the 42-year-old’s “sacrifice” and said, “He (Andrabi) will be remembered till Kashmir does not attain freedom.”
Sehrai, in his speech, stressing on the importance of unity among the people of Kashmir, said that although there are separate resistance groups in the valley, “their struggle and aim is the same”.
“We all worked together for ten years despite so many difficulties, but unfortunately, we had to part our ways. But, we are still united, and our aim is still the same,” Sehrai said.
Sehrai appealed the people of Kashmir to “unite like they were in the 1990s and work for the same cause”.
He also said that Islam was “a movement of justice for all, including Hindus and Sikhs”.
Further warning against the “unjustified violence of forced conversions”, the 74-year-old added, “Its followers require promoting the good and fight the evil and the oppressor. It does not believe in forced conversions or use of violence, like beheading, to settle disagreements.”
“Any bloodshed in the name of differences is unacceptable. No one should divide people in the name of sects, Shias or Sunnis etc.”
Sehrai described the Kashmir as an issue of “right to self-determination”, and said, “Our sacrifices are our asset and will safeguard it till the goal is achieved.”
Sehrai also welcomed any “disagreement” with the Hurriyat and said that those who have issues should directly come to the leadership.
“The Hurriyat is open to accountability,” he said.
