‘Dr Fai is Kashmiris’ Ambassador’; Govt approach deceitful: SAS Geelani

Srinagar, Apr 03: Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani Monday said that state government was more dangerous for Kashmiris than rightwing communal parties. Addressing the cadres of Hurriyat (G) at his Hyderpora residence here after his return from New Delhi, Geelani said masses should be aware of the tactics of the local government as “it is more harmful for us than communal parties.” “On one hand Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Home Minister condemned assault on me, but on the other they continued to keep me under house arrest. There is no sincerity in their remarks and it is part of their cunning and deceitful approach. If parties in New Delhi prevent me from addressing the people, it is in their national interest. But what is the justification for successive regimes of the state to keep me under house detention?” Geelani asked. Geelani was referring to the recent attack on him by some rightwing activists in New Delhi. Mincing no words in castigating political parties like National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, Geelani said they are bartering the sacrifices of Kashmiris for clinging to the chair. “On one hand they seek resolution of Kashmir issue, but on other they don’t question accession and term it legally valid. They have made the lives of people hellish and are responsible for the sufferings of this nation,” he said. Asking people to boycott upcoming municipal elections, Geelani said, “New Delhi is selling the votes cast by people at the international level. We should stay away from all elections as they push our sacrifices on backburner.” “Since 1947, Kashmiris gave unflinching sacrifices for the ongoing movement. And it is high time that we should look at our shortcomings to safeguard the sacrifices,” he added. Geelani also flayed a US court’s verdict against Kashmir American Council Director Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai. “Dr Fai has done no crime except representing the oppressed Kashmiris at the global level. For us he was an ambassador of Kashmiris,” he said and termed the verdict as a contemptible attempt to appease India.