Jammu: Criticising the for
forcing people to follow their diktats, J-K Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah on Thursday said they should come to the mainstream to
fight for their issues "politically" instead of indulging in
"hooliganism".
"Separatists should shun hooliganism and fight on
political turf. I criticise them for forcing the people to
adhere to their calendar of disturbances and lockouts, and
making them victims of hooliganism," Omar said at a convention
of National Conference workers at Bhaderwah, 200 km from here.
"One day you (separatists) have to apologise to the
people for this sort of attitude," the chief minister said.
Referring to the death of shopkeeper Tariq Ahmed Bhat,
Omar said, "A peaceful and youthful person of Nowhatta is the
latest victim of your outlook."
"The innocent youth (Bhat) was killed as he did not
accept shutting down of his shop and rejected the unnecessary
strike calls given by the separatists. He was severely injured
by the stone pelters," the chief minister claimed.
He observed that the same separatists would have led the
protest against any act of rights violation and misuse of
power by men in uniform.
Omar said his government will not tolerate `goondaism`
and attempts at disturbing peace by forcing people to shutdown
their establishments.
The chief minister also asked his party workers to
strengthen the ruling NC-Congress coalition right up to the
grassroot level.
PTI
