Handwara, Apr 20: A day after India test-fired a nuclear capable missile, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday castigated New Delhi for ‘promoting nuclear race’ saying that Kashmiris cannot be frightened by the might of nuclear weapons.
“They cannot pressurize us on the dent of nuclear weapons. Everyone is aware about how USA is losing the ground in Afghanistan despite possessing huge piles of nuclear weapons. On one side India says that they are trying to solve issues politically but on the other hand they are promoting a nuclear race. Nuclear weapons will not change the destiny of our struggle. It will not deter our aspirations or change them,” Mirwaiz said while addressing a gathering at Handwara Chowk in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
“Political issues can be solved only politically and it should not be dealt with military approach,” he said.
Mirwaiz said that despite ‘40 crore people in India living below poverty line’ the leaders are hell bent to show their might through nuclear weapons.
On the recent call of demilitarization of Siachin, Mirwaiz said, “We also want that Indian and Pakistani soldiers should not die in the battle field, but they should also care for a common Kashmiri. They should start demilitarization from Kashmir first. We have been at the receiving end of militarization for more than 20 years. The involvement of troops is increasing day by day on different matters,” he said.
Terming the summoning of some youth to police stations for running parallel protest on the social networking site- Facebook- as against democratic norms, Mirwaiz said, “The arrest of youth for writing their sentiments on social networking sites is undemocratic. The freedom of expression is being curbed. But truth shall prevail and falsehood will vanish.” The people responded with pro-freedom slogans.
Mirwaiz said that they were not against close relations between the two countries but Kashmir issue has to be solved according to the aspirations of the people. “If India claims that they are sincere in solving the Kashmir issue, we will judge it when a common Kashmiri feels a change.”
Quoting the Amnesty International officials on a recent visit to Kashmir, Mirwaiz said, “The condition of jails and detainees is worse than in Guantanamo jail.”
Mirwaiz said. “Freedom struggle will continue till the realization of freedom as it has been going on for last 80 years.”
Taking a dig at New Delhi for ‘making people of Kashmir dependent on New Delhi as a policy matter,’ he said, “In ’80s World Bank had offered funds for different projects to the government, but they did not accept it because they want us to go with a begging bowl every time.”
Mirwaiz lauded the role of late Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Lone and Muhammad Maqbool Bhat.
Others present on the occasion were Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam, Khaleel Ahmed Khaleel and Mushtaq Ahmed Sofi.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST