Chadoora, Nov 9: Hitting back at Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for asking separatists to show spirit of accommodation and meet people’s aspirations democratically, Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday said that peace will elude the sub-continent till justice is not delivered in Kashmir.
“Everybody wants peace in the region. But peace prevails only when justice is delivered and rights are respected. If Government is interested in the return of peace in Kashmir, they should fulfill all the pillars of justice and liberty,” Mirwaiz said addressing a gathering of hundreds of people at main chowk Chadoora in Budgam district after Friday prayers.
“It is unreasonable to expect peace from New Delhi who has stationed seven lakh troops in Kashmir,” he said.
Criticizing Defence Minister AK Antony for saying that no hasty decision can be taken on AFSPA revocation, Mirwaiz said, “This is the unrealistic approach of the Defence Minister of India. The people who have been muzzling the voice of Kashmiris by the dent of armed might and through black laws can only speak this language. The Minister cannot be in any haste to remove AFSPA because their boys are not asked to report to police stations on Eid or their Republic Day and Independence Day. Neither do they have to face harassment at the hands of forces everyday; nor have they to live under the constant fear of army.”
Mirwaiz said that Government of India should change its approach vis-a-vis  Kashmir issue if they want peace to return to Kashmir and start a purposeful dialogue process. “In 2006, we had proposed five Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to start dialogue on Kashmir, but Government is yet to fulfill those,” Mirwaiz said.
Reminding US President Barack Obama of the reference he made on Kashmir four years back, Mirwaiz said, “In 2008 he raised the issue of Kashmir, but in last four years he has backtracked from his word. It is clear that President has given preference to economy over solution of Kashmir issue. But I want to inform him that whether it is political or economic interests, solution of Kashmir holds the key for both in the region.”
On the proposed Pakistan visit of Hurriyat leaders, Mirwaiz said the motive of their visit is to convey the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mirwaiz also said that leadership cannot remain a mute spectator to the problems faced by a common man. “In addition to fighting for political rights we cannot tolerate injustice done to a Kashmiri regarding his basic needs. With the onset of winter, ministers, bureaucrats as a routine flee to Jammu and leave a common man at the mercy of God.”
On the news carried in a section of press about the special services of water and electricity being provided to Hurriyat (M) leaders, Mirwaiz clarified that they will never ever seek special favours from the Government. “We suffer as a common man suffers and there is no question of privileges being sought by Hurriyat leaders,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Nov 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Nov 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:00:00 IST