Mirwaiz lauds social unity on safeguarding Art 35-A

Srinagar, Aug 03: Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq lauded the unity and steadfastness of each segment of society towards the move aimed at meddling with Article 35-A that deals with hereditary state subject law of J&K, saying that Kashmiri people have shown time and again that they can’t be forced into submission and there was no question of compromising the State’s political interests.
In a statement, Mirwaiz praised the unity exhibited by traders, transporters, hoteliers, lawyers industrialists, houseboat owners, employees, students, and civil society activists and stated that no power can defeat people so united in their purpose.
Addressing the Friday congregational gathering at the historic Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz warned of a strong and sustained agitation in case the Supreme Court announces any decision or ruling aimed at changing or the demographic character of J&K on August 6.
Mirwaiz said that Joint Hurriyat Leadership has already announced a two-day protest and strike program from August 5 and people should follow the same in letter and spirit.
He said that “Kashmiri people have already made it clear that they can spill their blood and put everything at stake in case Supreme Court ruling goes against our interests.”
Mirwaiz paid tributes to the four militants killed in two separate encounters at Kupwara and Sopore, saying that New Delhi’s “obduracy and military approach is pushing our youth to arms and their death”.
“Kashmiri youth are being killed every day and if Delhi believes these repressive measures can weaken the people’s resolve in their just struggle it is totally mistaken,” he said.
Mirwaiz said “the fact remains that these sacrifices further strengthen the peoples resolve in their cause. “But these sacrifices offered by youth cause us great pain.”
Mirwaiz termed the recent announcement of police high ups that peaceful protests will be allowed against tinkering with the Article 35-A, as ‘incorrect and deceitful’ and said JRL team of resistance leaders were detained on way to Anantnag to participate in peaceful protest there when resistance activist, Umar Adil was slapped with the draconian PSA and shifted to Kathua jail in the darkness of night.
He also strongly denounced the continuous house arrest of aged leader Syed Ali Geelani stating that the veteran leader continues to remain under house arrest at his Hyderpora residence over the past more than 8 years and he is even not allowed to offer mandatory Friday prayers at the mosque.
Mirwaiz condemned the amendment to draconian PSA “the lawless law “through an ordinance by the Governor led administration stating that the move was aimed to justify shifting of Kashmiri prisoners to outside jails at the will and wish of authorities to cause them more harassment .
He urged the UN to immediately intervene into the various forms of repression being unleashed on Kashmiris seeking their legitimate rights and to play its role in stopping the unabated rights abuses.
Later, Mirwaiz led a protest march soon after the culmination of congregational Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid against the move aimed at meddling with article 35-A with protestors taking a pledge to defend State’s provisions guaranteed under article 35 A, with their blood.