Srinagar, Aug 8: The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday said the ongoing agitation in the Valley was the rebound effect of extreme repression unleashed by New Delhi to quell the right to self-determination of Kashmiris.
 In an exclusive interview with Greater Kashmir at his Nageen residence where he is under house arrest for the past over a month, Mirwaiz dwelt at length on the prevailing unrest and resolution of the long-standing Kashmir dispute.

ON ONGOING UNREST
 Mirwaiz said the absolute refusal to engage with the political urge and aspirations of the people of Kashmir has led to the present crisis. He said though India and Pakistan had accepted the sentiment by taking the dispute to the United Nations and promising to respect it by passing umpteen resolutions on it.
 “Yet they chose never to honor it. And instead since then efforts were made by the Indian state to subvert any form of resistance to this injustice. Today what we are seeing is the rebound effect of this extreme repression. Kashmir's new generation has taken to the streets, angry, disgusted and completely defiant,” he said. 
 Mirwaiz said the teenagers born and brought up in atmosphere of “stifling oppression” around them during the past two decades have become radicalized. “They are infuriated and outraged by India's intransigence and are pouring out on streets unarmed and fearless. India has declared a war in Kashmir by killing these innocent teenagers for demanding their basic rights after having blocked all channels of expression,” he stated.
  “It is a shame for a country that makes tall claims to democracy. Today it is a fight between truth and might and it is the truth that will triumph,” he said without mincing any words. 

ON DIALOGUE
 Mirwaiz believes that the resolution of Kashmir can be achieved by meaningful talks based on the aspirations of Kashmiris. “Let me tell you in absolutely unequivocal terms that both India and Pakistan were very clear on the terms of our engagement with them which are based on two principles,” he said.
 Elaborating he said one of the terms included that all the concerned parties recognized that Kashmir was a dispute and displayed a willingness to resolve it. “The another term was that dialogue is a way forward towards the final settlement of the issue, primarily in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and also taking into account the positions of India and Pakistan on the issue. It is absolute,” he maintained.
 Mirwaiz said although there was skepticism among many about any such engagement. “However this skepticism wasn't unfounded, it stemmed from past experiences and a history of betrayal at such engagements. Our understanding was that since much had changed on the ground in Kashmir especially in view of the mass rebellion of people since 1989, the Government of India had realized the fact that it is imperative to address the aspirations of the people and it could not afford to maintain a status quo in the changed scenario

‘NEW DELHI CREATED MISTRUST’
 Mirwaiz accepted that in good faith and trust the conglomerate reciprocated when invited “even at the risk to our reputation and lives.”
 “But sadly it seemed that there never was any sincerity or will to understand and respect the feelings of the people. All that India did was buy time and procrastinate in the hope that in the mean time it would through its policy of subjugation and appeasement undo the issue. Not even a single suggestion that we gave at these meetings were ever heeded to, forget about the Confidence Building Measures,” he stated. 
 “People ask me you had various rounds of talks what did it do for us? Did it in any way ease out the situation on the ground for us? Did any of our basic rights get restored? Did violations against us stop? Did killings and disappearances of Kashmiri’s end? I have no answer,” Mirwaiz candidly admitted. 
 “All that happened was that it undermined our credibility and brought discredit to the institution of dialogue. Today dialogue is equated to a sell out and the scope for it has considerably shrunk,” he stated.

ON CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT
 Mirwaiz said the civil disobedience movement launched by him has evoked tremendous response despite keeping him under continued house arrest after leading some massive protests.
 “People are staging peaceful sit-ins in their respective localities and ironically the Government can’t even tolerate peaceful protests. It has been using disproportionate force to quell the protests. New Delhi has snatched every fundamental right of Kashmiris, even the right to religion, for demanding self-determination,” he said.
 He urged the people to stage peaceful protests till the troopers are not withdrawn from the civilian areas. “It is high time for Kashmiris to unite and fight valiantly for their rights. The biggest tribute to the martyrs who have laid down their lives for the just cause is to take the movement to its logical conclusion,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
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