Srinagar, Dec 10: Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday said the amalgam will not tolerate human rights violations done by anybody including pro-freedom forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a seminar titled “Human rights violations -double standards at global level” at Rajbagh headquarters of the conglomerate here, Mirwaiz said, “We are committed to uphold the human rights and excesses done by anybody including pro-freedom forces are not acceptable to us. We too committed mistakes in the past.”
Castigating Army for opposing the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz said forces have assumed political role in the state. “Their opposition to the revocation of the draconian law proves that there is no moral relationship of JK with New Delhi. Their role is confined to law and order and not to take political decisions,” he said.
Mirwaiz also accused the National Conference-led government of politicizing the issue of AFSPA revocation ‘for their petty interests.’ “The political establishment is trying to buy time over the issue,” he said.
Expressing concern over the human rights abuses in Kashmir, the separatist leader said demilitarization would stop the violations taking place here.
“The way forward is the reduction of forces and if both India and Pakistan will reduce military presence in their parts of Kashmir, it wouldn’t only help in making the atmosphere conducive, but also curb rights abuses,” he said.
The pro-freedom leader castigated mainstream parties, National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, for ‘maintaining silence over rights abuses,’ saying they talk about the issue only when they are out of power. “The government is trying to make its own institution like SHRC defunct now,” the Mirwaiz said.
Mirwaiz also said New Delhi is trying to ‘crush the ongoing struggle of Kashmiris by repressive measures and force.’
“The human rights violations in JK are not only confined to torture or jails. It is also about our political, social and religious rights. The forces are killing our innocent youth for rewards and promotions. Our juveniles are being put behind the bars,” he said.
Lashing out at New Delhi for, what he termed, acting militarily on Kashmir, Mirwaiz said, “Their Prime Minister and Home Minister talk of resolving the issue through negotiations, but their approach on the ground is contrary. During our talks with India and Pakistan in 2005 and 2006, we forwarded a proposal for building conducive atmosphere, but they didn’t implement a single suggestion. Pakistan showed flexibility while New Delhi adopted stubborn approach during the parleys.”
Mirwaiz said majority of the Indians and their media are indifferent towards the grave rights abuses taking place in the state.
“The Indians, which claim themselves as torchbearers of humanity and followers of Mahatma Gandhi, should hang their heads in shame over 2000-2500 unmarked graves discovered here. Nobody among Indian political parties except Left wing parties uttered a single word on the graves,” he said, adding that western world has also shut its eyes towards excesses here.
Mincing no words in castigating western powers, Mirwaiz said their policy vis-a-vis human rights is based on their interests.
“The western powers like America, Britain which claim to be champions of human rights often target countries like Pakistan and Iran over the issue. But they behave as mute spectator towards the excesses committed by their institutions as well as those falling under their purview. They are flouting the Geneva Convention and United Nations Charter as well. They express concern over what they claim rights abuses in Muslim countries, but maintain silence over massacres happening in African countries,” he added.
He also said the special identity of Kashmir vis-a-vis relationship with Central and West Asia is being snapped.
Jamiat-i-Ahli-Hadith president Ghulam Rasool Malik, columnist Dr Javaid Iqbal and Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) patron Advocate Parvez Imroze also spoke on the occasion.
Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam, Mukthar Ahmad Waza and Zaffar Akbar Bhat were also present on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST