Voting PDP to power was a mistake, Geelani tells voters

“Despite several appeals, some people went ahead and voted to bring about a change for better governance. Now people must have realised that they had made a wrong choice by casting vote,” Geelani said, while addressing a day-long “Nuzool-i-Quran” (Revelation of Quran) Conference at his party headquarters in Hyderpora.

Tehreek-i-Hurriyat Chief, Geelani also said one should not waste his/her vote by choosing “undeserving representatives”.

Geelani said all mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are working at the behest of Government of India (GoI) and change in governments would not make any difference on the ground.

“As long as Kashmir remains under control of armed forces of India, changes in   the political dispensations would hardly matter,” he said, adding that “Islam can’t prosper in a militarized atmosphere.”

Geelani argued that the PDP and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were two sides of the same coin who “are working on the direction of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)”.

In an indirect reference to Minister for Sheep and Animal Husbandry, Sajad Lone, the octogenarian leader said a devout Muslim would never justify the presence of RSS in Kashmir, an alcove of Sufi saints.

The Hurriyat leader voiced concern that Kashmiri Muslim youth were being lured to join the RSS as members.

“Every political party is targeting youth, thinking they are the future and builders of nation. They should introspect and adhere to the teachings of Islam to distinguish between right and wrong,” Geelani said.

Asked about the comments made by Peoples Conference Chairman, Sajad Lone about being in a touch with former R&AW chief A S Dulat, Geelani said, “Do I need to say more? He has overtly declared himself as an Indian agent.”

In an interview to a national newspaper, Lone had admitted: “I was close to that setup. They really took care of me, especially regarding my security. I played a very big role behind the scenes. Mr. Dulat (former R&AW chief) was in PMO then. I had the time to contribute and make way for dialogue process. Because of all this I was labelled as an Indian here,” PC chairman had said in the interview.

After the interview, former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone exchanged bitter tweets aimed against each other.

Meanwhile, Geelani further accused the Director General of Police, K Rajendra of concealing facts about restrictions placed on the former. The leader plans to offer next Friday prayers in Anantnag in south Kashmir.