Srinagar: Several Opposition leaders on Tuesday lashed out at Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remark regarding the security for separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
In an interview with a television channel, Abdullah said that separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir had declined since 2019, adding that it would have been “unthinkable” in the past that centre would provide CRPF security cover to Mirwaiz.
In the same interview, he questioned the narrative around Article 370 being temporary and transitional.
“You talk about Article 370 being temporary and transitional. But why was it temporary? What was the transitional status linked to? Why don’t you talk about that? A promise of plebiscite was made to the people of J&K”, the CM said.
Mirwaiz’s office in a statement termed the remark as ‘nonsensical comment. ‘Someone holding a post of responsibility is assumed to talk sense, ascribing motives to the security provided to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, knowing fully well the circumstances, is highly regrettable and in very bad taste,’ it said.
‘Such irresponsible comments betray the commentators, insecurities asnd further disillusionment among the already beleaguered and repressed people regarding him and his mindset.’
People Conference Chairman and MLA Sajad Lone said that he may disagree with Mirwaiz Umar on many things.
“..But that his father was martyred is a reality. My father was matyred too. Even the date of martyrdom is the same and my father had gone to Idgah to commemorate the martyrdom of the Mirwaiz Mohammed Farooq sahib and was shot there,” Lone posted on X.
“CM sahib—-we are victims. We know what a violent death is. Our fathers were killed. Incidentally my father was killed under the watch of your father when he was the Chief Minister. And yes. He did not provide him security despite having clear inputs from the CID that there is likelihood of him being attacked. He did not provide me security when I wanted to go for his funeral. The Divisonal Commisioner at that time came and expressed inability to provide security.
You know what your statements mean. Your mention of so called security for Mirwaiz is what we know as —— speak to kill—- in the last 3 decades,” Lone said.
“You always had one of the highest security covers’ in India. And does it behoove you to act like a white collar killer and make statements which greatly increase the threat perception of a person. Loose talk. Cruel talk. Killer talk,” he added.
PDP leader and MLA Waheed Parra also reacted sharply and said that if Kashmir appears peaceful today, it is due to UAPA, PSA, NIA, attachment of houses and assets, constant profiling, verification, the lodgment of prisoners outside under stringent laws, and the sacking of employees under 311.
“This is a complete U-turn from your election campaign and manifesto. Your endorsement now is nothing but a ratification of the iron-fist approach against Kashmiris. If there is no separatist activity today, it is due to tougher measures against separatist and the ban on Hurriyat and Jamaat.
And if Mirwaiz Sahab has been given security, it is not for his safety but because his vulnerability has increased. Singling out Mirwaiz only puts him at greater risk, knowing well that his family has already paid a heavy price. The truth is, like hundreds of others, even graves, shrines, and mosques are guarded by JKP and CRPF. So why make an issue if Mirwaiz is?,” Parra added.
UNI
