Srinagar, Sep 2: Chairman of United Jehad Council and Supreme Commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Syed Salahuddin, on Sunday alleged that Government of India is trying to change the demography of Jammu and Kashmir by issuing state subject certificates to outsiders.
 “Following certain designs, non-local labourers are being settled in the state to change its demography. Many state subject certificates have been issued to non locals in Baramulla district,” a vernacular news agency KNS quoted Salahuddin as having said.
 Calling for limiting the number of Amarnath Yatris visiting the cave shrine every year, Salahuddin said the increasing number of pilgrims, setting up of permanent infrastructure for them along with increasing interference of non local labourers in the private and public sector is an indication of the government’s plans to change the Muslim majority character of the Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged manipulation in the figures of the census by the government is a step towards changing the demography of the state.
 He said the deaths of Amarnath Yatris are natural in view of difficult terrain and hostile climatic conditions on the yatra route, which can be taken care of by limiting their number. “The saffron brigade including the BJP is trying to make an issue out of this to pave way for changing the Muslim majority character of the state. We will raise voice against such designs of the Government of India and any move to settle non state subjects in the state will be resisted,” he said.
 However, Salahuddin said they are not against the Yatra or any religion, which is evident from the fact that Kashmiris have always facilitated smooth yatra.
 The Hizb Supreme Commander said by setting up railway lines and constructing roads and tunnels, the Government of India is only extending its military infrastructure in the state and they are not meant for the people of the state.
 Salahuddin said that he was not a product of the 1987 elections and the “Passion for freedom of Kashmir was inherited by him from his elders.”
 “ The 1987 elections are a blot on the face of democracy and it proves that votes of slaves have no value. My elder brother was a key figure in the Plebiscite front”, he said adding he had contested the elections with the assumption that the aspirations of Kashmiris would be fulfilled through democratic means.
 He said, “During the 87 election campaigns, we always talked about freedom. By rigging the elections and changing the results formed the darkest chapter of democracy”.
 The UJC Chairman said India and Pakistan are working for better relations between the two countries; however, peace will evade the sub continent unless the Kashmir dispute was resolved in view of the aspirations and sentiments of Kashmiris. He said the confidence building measures like cross LoC trade, people to people contacts etc were a futile exercise. “The situation in the state is volcanic and it can erupt any time. India is trying to establish its supremacy in the region by ignoring the sacrifices of Kashmiris,” he said
 Regarding the recent Indo-Pak dialogue and meetings between parliamentary delegations, Salahuddin said such meetings are being held to give a notion that ‘all is well’, however according to him such notions are only meant to mislead people and international community. “Three wars have already taken place between the two countries and the fourth one is round the corner. India and Pakistan should solve the Kashmir dispute to evade such a situation”, he said.
 He expressed concern over alleged increase in the violations of human rights in the state. However he appreciated the role of international media houses for raising such issues. He also appealed the local media organizations to become a voice of the oppressed people and raise the issue of human rights violations to make the international community aware of the present situation in the state. “The local media should not get bogged down under pressure and put facts before the whole world”, he added.
 The UJC reiterated his appeal to the separatist leadership to come forward with a united voice. “For advocating and raising the Kashmir cause on any forum or platform, unity is a prerequisite. Division among leadership is harming the Kashmir cause,” he said.
 Regarding the Hurriyat’s proposed Pakistan visit, Salahuddin said the Hurriyat leaders should convey to Pakistan that trade and travel or CBMs are not a solution to Kashmir issue. “They should tell the Pakistani leadership that Kashmir is the main issue and it should form core of any dialogue between the two countries”.
 Rejecting the activities of former interlocutors of Government of India, the UJC chief said such activities are useless, aimed at delaying the resolution of Kashmir issue. “India is making every possible effort to convey to the world that it is sincere towards solving Kashmir issue, however the reality is that it is misleading it by applying such dilly dallying tactics.”, he said.
 Salahuddin also supported the shutdown call given by Hurriyat conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, on September 4.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 2 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 2 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 3 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST