Srinagar: Putting the onus of improving the
situation in the Valley on the Centre, moderate Hurriyat
leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq on Friday said it should expedite steps
to implement the amalgam`s four-point formula and initiate
tripartite talks for resolving the Kashmir issue.
"It is up to government of India to improve situation in
Kashmir. It will improve only if the government revokes Armed
Forces Special Powers Act, Public Safety Act and similar
draconin laws, withdraw troops, remove security bunkers from
cities, towns and villages and release all prisoners including
recently detained youth", the Mirwaiz told Friday congregation
at the Jamia Masjid in old city.
Referring to the recent statements of the Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P Chidambaram and different
leaders in Parliament during a debate on Kashmir, Hurriyat`s
moderate faction chief said, "This is not the time for making
statements, it is time for action".
"If you are interested in normalising the situation in
Kashmir, you must initiate action to implement the four-point
proposals and set in motion the process for tripartite talks
involving Pakistan for resolution of Kashmir issue", the
Mirwaiz said amidst pro-freedom slogans from the audience.
Noting that the tension gripping the Valley will not ease
by clamping curfew, detaining leaders and youths, the Hurriyat
Chairman said New Delhi should accept the stark reality that
people of Kashmir, especially the youth, are up in arms and
want resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Referring to accusations that protestors are hooligans,
goons and terrorists, the Mirwaiz said nearly five lakh Hindus
visited Amarnath shrine over the past two months at a time
when the Valley was on the boil but no one was hurt.
"While Kashmiris are being killed, they ensured that
Amarnath pilgrims are safe," he said.
Referring to his meeting with a Sikh delegation, he
appealed to people to form "coordination committees"
comprising both Muslims and Sikhs for the welfare of both the
communities.
PTI
