Srinagar, Aug 5: The Chairman of Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday accused the Indian Civil Society of turning mute spectator to the unabated killings of teenagers and youth by troopers and cops in Kashmir.
 “On humanitarian and moral ground it was the responsibility of the Indian Civil Society to raise voice against the ruthless killings of Kashmiris at the hands of troopers and police. Ironically, it preferred to act as mute spectator and adopt criminal silence,” Mirwaiz who continues to be under house arrest told Greater Kashmir.
 Mirwaiz said New Delhi has exhausted all options including killing innocent Kashmiris to quell the ongoing movement. “But it could not suppress the aspirations and resolve of Kashmiris to keep fighting for their just cause. The only option left with New Delhi is to read the writing on the wall.”
 Reacting to Home Minister, P Chidambaram’s statement that militants were part of protests, Mirwaiz maintained that the ongoing agitation was indigenous. “It is not supported by any external forces but the protests are the manifestation of anger of people over the killings and snatching of their right to self-determination. If government wants to restore normalcy in Kashmir, it must immediately stop the killing of innocents, and harassment of youth,” he said.   
 Mirwaiz said Kashmir dispute could only be resolved through dialogue. “No election, administrative changes or economic packages can be substitute to the right of self-determination of Kashmiris. However, India had adopted military approach to crush the movement,” he said.
 “India which claims to be the champion of democracy can’t even tolerate peaceful protests against the excesses by its troopers. Lack of accountability and unbridled powers has given the troopers and police license to kill. The killings of innocents have increased hatred and resentment among Kashmiris against New Delhi and State Government,” he said.
 He urged the people to continue the peaceful protests till demilitarization of the civilian areas. “Peaceful protests are the viable weapon for Kashmiris to achieve freedom. The spontaneous protests have frustrated the New Delhi and made it rethink on its anti-people policies in Kashmir,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 5 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
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