Srinagar, Nov 21, KNT: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Molvi Umar Farooq on Friday urged authorities to immediately halt what he termed disturbing incidents of harassment of Kashmiris studying and working in different parts of India following the Delhi blast. Addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, he said repeated reports from Himachal Pradesh and other states indicate that Kashmiris are being singled out and questioned simply because of their identity.
Mirwaiz said it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure safety for Kashmiris and prevent any targeting that puts lives at risk. He called on the administration to act swiftly to stop such incidents and restore a sense of security among those working or pursuing education outside the Valley.
Referring to the raid on the Kashmir Times office in Jammu, the Mirwaiz said press freedom appears to be increasingly under pressure. He said dissenting voices are being labelled anti-national and viewed as threats, which undermines democratic values. He added that the newspaper has inherited a legacy shaped by Ved Bhasin and that such actions against the institution are unfortunate.
On the Nowgam police station blast that claimed nine lives, Mirwaiz said the tragedy was painful and preventable. He said seized explosive material should have been handled and stored more responsibly. He stressed that those responsible for the lapse must be held accountable and the findings of the probe should be made public at the earliest.
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Mirwaiz also criticised the proposed twenty percent surcharge on electricity tariffs during peak hours, saying it amounts to a grave injustice when people are already grappling with economic hardship and declining business activity. He said introducing a tariff hike ahead of harsh winter conditions reflects insensitivity on part of the authorities. Instead of easing the problems of the poor by fulfilling the promise of providing free electricity up to two hundred units, he said, additional burdens are being imposed.
Mirwaiz urged the government to withdraw the proposal immediately. [KNT]
