Srinagar, Mar 2: Days after Delhi Police arrested two youth from Kashmir for their alleged militant links, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed it as a ploy to defame the movement of Kashmiris before international community.
“Whenever some progress is likely on the Kashmir issue between the two countries, agencies come up with theories of militant module and arrests of innocent boys,” Mirwaiz said while addressing the Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid here.
“They just want to give it a colour that Kashmiris are terrorists. It has become a routine business of some elements in India to arrest Kashmiris and charge them in different cases,” Mirwaiz alleged.
He also ruled out any talks with the central government until some confidence building measures are not taken. “We are maintaining our position regarding talks with the Indian government. Ground realities have to change first, arrests and other tactics cannot go hand in hand. Then we can look for something positive in talks between India, Pakistan and Kashmiri leadership,” Mirwaiz said.
While welcoming the India-Pakistan talks on various issues including Kashmir, Mirwaiz said that Kashmiris continue to suffer and ‘Indian government is continuing with the policies of repression.’ “They continue with the arrests and other barbaric laws which give impunity to soldiers. How can the two things run parallel to each other?” he asked.
Mirwaiz also said that during his recent meetings in New Delhi, hundreds of students and businessmen apprised him about harassment by various security agencies. “Security agencies are harassing them on one context or the other. They are not even provided accommodation in hotels,” Mirwaiz said.
Reiterating his stand that aspirations of Kashmiris will be cornerstone of engagement in the dialogue process, Mirwaiz said, “People should keep complete faith on the leadership. We will always take decision for the betterment of the community.”
Hailing the Imam and coordination committee of Jamia Masjid Delhi for their role in highlighting issues of Muslims, Mirwaiz said, “I am happy over their endeavors in highlighting the issues of the Muslim world particularly Kashmir issue. It is time to strengthen those bonds and endeavors.”
Mirwaiz stressed on the role of coordination and unification among the Muslims of the world to beat the ‘evil designs’ of ‘enemies’ of Islam.
“In Europe and western countries, conspiracies are being hatched to defame Islam.  The need of the hour is to counter it with a united stand. We need to unite on social, religious and political front,” Mirwaiz said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 2 Mar 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 2 Mar 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Mar 2012 00:00:00 IST