J K News Today

Srinagar, June 08:

A day after the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh firmed up  Delhi’s offer for  dialogue with  the “ right-minded “ people,  All Parties Hurriyat Conference  chairman Mirwaiz Umar  Farooq on Friday declared that the separatist leadership will come out with its response  after due deliberations.

Delivering his  sermon as  chief priest of Kashmir  at Jamia Mosque on the occasion of Juma -tul -Vida – the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan ,  the Mirwaiz acknowledged that Delhi has “ softened” its stand under the international pressure and the perseverance  of the “ incessant struggle” of Kashmiris, particularly the youth.

He, however , said this is not a “ change of heart but change due to circuimstances.”

Mirwaiz said the policy of extreme repression was pursued as a state policy since BJP came to power in New Delhi four years ago which was a complete departure from the way previous BJP regime led by Mr. Vajpayee.

 He said said, “  we are happy that for whatever reason, if good sense has prevailed upon GOI and they have realized the futility of using force on people in this David vs Goliath battle of justice vs occupation principles vs opportunism .Mirwaiz said the credit for any effort on part of GOI if it really means to resolve the dispute, only goes to the perseverance of the people of Kashmir especially the youth.”

Mirwaiz said the “  pro-freedom leadership was in no hurry to respond to Delhi’s assertions over dialogue and will discuss the matter in the coming days and after due deliberations respond”

 He also took on the Home Minister  who had said that the separatist leadership should respect the future of the children of Kashmir and not darken it with  stones and guns , Mirwaiz said, “I ask those who give us sermons on peace and development that which people in the world would not want development or best of institutions for their children best of progress of growth for themselves .?The youth of Kashmir are no different they too would want the same but unlike their counterparts in the region , they live in a conflict zone which by virtue of being in  a conflict has been turned into the world’s most militarized zone! Our children have inherited this conflict situation. They are baptized by repression by suppression that they witness all around them in their everyday life. “

Mirwaiz said  “ if the situation changes for the people their circumstances will automatically change. If GOI really cares for our children and young as it claims, it’s welcome as It’s a human gesture. We also want our children to be nurtured and believe that it’s possible once they are brought out of the uncertainty that surrounds them. It entails resolution of Kashmir dispute above their stated position and looking at Jammu and Kashmir in the wider context of humanity and justice.”