Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani Thursday said elections cannot change the status of Kashmir issue nor substitute the right to self-determination guaranteed by the United Nations.
Chairing a meeting of the conglomerate’s Executive Body (Majlis-e-Shoora), Geelani said, “holding election drama can neither impact the reality of Kashmir dispute nor reduce the seriousness of this issue.”
Elaborating, he said, since 1947 till date, Assembly elections were held 12 times in the state. “In these elections, people were asked to vote for day-to-day issues and later it was construed as referendum in favour of India. The hype created by Government of India over the election drama is meaningless and the reality of Kashmir issue cannot be changed by this,” he said.
“Government of India should recount recent political history of Kashmir. They should rethink upon the Indra-Abdullah accord of 1975 and the situation post 1977 election. The Indian rulers miscalculated the situation that time and mistook it as solution of the Kashmir dispute. But they are fully aware of the situations thereafter that how the freedom sentiment of Kashmiris gained strength day by day and how the resistance movement of Kashmir became popular,” he said.
The Hurriyat (G) Chairman said “presence of 7.5 lakh soldiers of Indian army and imprisonment of entire pro-freedom leadership puts a big question mark over the credibility and democratic authenticity of the recently held election drama in the state.”
“Election drama can’t be the alternative to referendum. Kashmiris have been promised by Indian leaders and also at the international forums that they will be given a chance to decide their future and a referendum would be held in J&K under the supervision of the UN,” he said.
He said till these promises are fulfilled, “the freedom struggle of the people of Kashmir will continue at any cost and no power in the world can suppress the just voice of Kashmiris.”
The Hurriyat (G) Chairman said the objective of all mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir is to “suppress” the ongoing movement for right to self-determination.
“All the pro-India parties including National Conference, Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and Bharitiya Janata Party are against the aspirations and sentiments of Kashmiris. Their main objective is to suppress the sentiments, aspirations of Kashmiris for right to self-determination by supporting and strengthening forcible control of J&K by India,” he said.
“The ongoing debate over government formation in the state is meaningless. History stands testimony to the fact that successive regimes in Jammu and Kashmir have been implementing India’s policies against Kashmiris. India and its forces are at helm of affairs in the state. Even Omar Abdullah (former Chief Minister) could not get the Armed Forces Special Powers Act revoked in his tenure,” he said.
A Hurriyat (G) spokesperson said during the meeting attended by heads and representatives of all its constituents, the holding of elections and situation in Kashmir was thoroughly discussed.
“They also deliberated upon the future strategy with regarding to freedom movement. Members of the executive body put forward their viewpoint regarding the future strategies and suggested to make the Hurriyat forum stronger and more pro-active in future,” he said.
The executive meeting also condemned the use of force by police to quell a sit-in of JKLF at Maisuma area. “Jammu and Kashmir police have become the most undisciplined force. The basic purpose of the police force is to protect and safeguard the life and property of the people but in the state, the situation is contrary and the police have started a war against the common people,” the members said.
The spokesman said in view of resolution passed by the UNO in 1949, the Executive Body decided to hold a seminar in which the political leaders, intellectuals and people from different walks of life will present their viewpoint.
Elections won’t change status of Kashmir dispute: Geelani
