Srinagar, Apr 16: Reacting sharply to Army Chief’s opposition to repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Jammu and Kashmir, the Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday said New Delhi has “fascist mindset” while dealing with Kashmir.
 While addressing the Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid here, he said, “We had expected that Government of India would take steps to improve situation in Jammu and Kashmir. But unfortunately its approach is negative. Indian Army Chief VK Singh’s latest statement depicts New Delhi fascist mindset.”
 The Army Chief had Thursday said any dilution in AFSPA will “impinge adversely” on the operations of troops in troubled states of the country.
 While lashing out at New Delhi for its policies in Kashmir, the Mirwaiz said, “Since 1990, civil, political and legal rights of Kashmiris have been snatched in the garb of draconian laws. AFSPA and other draconian laws haven’t been imposed in the state to deal with Mujahideen, but to crush civilians.”
 He said that India, with its “hegemonic designs”, is the main impediment in resolving the Kashmir dispute. “India flaunts at international level about its democratic values. But these are getting exposed in Kashmir. On one hand New Delhi wants dialogue, but on the other it is reluctant to make congenial atmosphere for it. Till draconian laws aren’t repealed, dialogue process can’t move forward,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST