Mirwaiz Umar for economic boycott of Israel
Slams silence of OIC, Arab League, UN on Gaza
Expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine, the Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday urged the world community to take a cue from the anti-Apartheid struggle in South Africa to ensure complete economic boycott with Israel for its ‘naked aggression’ in Gaza.
Addressing Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid here, Mirwaiz said people of Kashmir stand like a rock with their brethren in Palestine. “We appeal the world community to remember the anti-apartheid movement pioneered by Nelson Mandela in South Africa wherein complete boycott was done to ensure justice. Same should be applied for Israel to give justice to the people of Palestine,” Mirwaiz said, and passed a related resolution amid pro-Palestine and anti-Israel slogans.
He urged the world community to rise above political ideologies and show a human heart to ensure complete economic boycott with the Jewish state. “Our hearts cry in pain when we see the picture of kids killed in the air strikes on Gaza by Israel,” Mirwaiz said.
At least 250 people, mostly children, were killed in the Israeli assault on Gaza for the past 10 days while over 1700 are injured.
Mirwaiz said economic boycott with Israel will give some satisfaction to the people of Palestine that at least somebody is listening to their shrieks and cries. “I believe the way South African crisis was resolved after a sustained anti-apartheid campaign, Palestine too would see a new dawn once the world launches boycott with Israel,” he said.
Mirwaiz’s resolution called for freeing all Palestinian prisoners arrested recently, lifting naval blockade in Gaza and throwing open its land border crossings. “Besides, an international airport and a sea-port should be set up in Gaza. The people must get back their right to fishing, which is their main source of livelihood,” Mirwaiz said.
He said world community must push for a resolution seeking end to Palestine crisis permanently.
Linking Kashmir issue with Palestine crisis, Mirwaiz said these are the two longest running conflicts in the world which must be resolved for lasting peace not just in South Asia but in the entire world. “Mere condemnations won’t do. Israel must feel the international pressure to end its illegal control in Palestine,” he said.
Taking at dig at the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) and the Arab League for their “criminal silence” on the crisis in Gaza, Mirwaiz said it is very unfortunate that the Muslim nations are “acting as mute spectators” over the innocent killings of people in Palestine. “The Muslim nations must rise to the occasion and condemn the Israeli aggression,” he said.
Mirwaiz also announced that Jumut-ul-Vida (last Friday of Ramadhan) would be observed as Youm-e-Qudus and Youm-e-Kashmir.