Srinagar, April 1, KNT: Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Monday launched a sharp criticism of the Jammu and Kashmir government, alleging that the administration is deliberately widening the gap between separatist leadership and the people. Speaking to Srinagar based news agency KNT, Mirwaiz said the continued restrictions on movement of Hurriyat leaders reflect what he described as a governance approach dominated by police authority.
Mirwaiz said police officials were now issuing political comments on Kashmir, which, according to him, indicates the extent of policing influence in administrative matters. He said recurring house arrests would not yield any positive outcome for the government and argued that such measures only intensify alienation among locals.
He stated that the government’s policy aims to curb interaction between Hurriyat leadership and the public. Mirwaiz said he intended to visit the family of Muhammad Afzal Guru at Doabgah on Monday but was placed under house arrest before he could proceed. He termed the action as an example of what he called the government’s frustration regarding Hurriyat activities.
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Mirwaiz reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir functions as a police state, claiming the police apparatus held disproportionate influence. He accused the government of adopting policies that restrict movement of leaders and prevent them from engaging with locals.
He questioned how long the government intended to confine Hurriyat leaders to their homes and restrict their mobility. According to Mirwaiz, the administration’s approach shows its fear of political engagement by Hurriyat and remains counter-productive.
He also condemned what he described as random arrests of youth and separatist leaders during the period of tightened restrictions. Authorities reportedly placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and several senior Hurriyat figures under house arrest on Monday, preventing them from traveling to Afzal Guru’s residence. [KNT]
