December 1, 2013
“Modi’s candidature ‘shame for Indian democratic, secular claims”: Geelani
SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s octogenarian separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani has said the the nomination of Narendra Modi as a Prime Ministerial candidate is a shame for India’s democratic and secular credentials.
He termed Mr Modi, who has been accused of involvement in the 2002 Gujrat pogrom, as a “killer of humanity”.
Addressing a public rally at Kulgam in south Kashmir, Mr Geelani said: “Modi is responsible for the gross human rights violations and barbaric victimization of Muslims in Gujarat.”
Mr Geelani, who has been placed under house arrest on and off and is being allowed to hold rallies selectively reiterated his election boycott call.
“The mainstream parties like Congress, NC, PDP and other parties are equally responsible for the victimization of Kashmiris as India is. Those who will vote are like brokers of sacrifices offered by martyrs,” he said.
He said that it is the mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir that bartered the state’s natural resources especially water.
“It is why the people of Kashmir have been pushed into perpetual darkness. Our water resources are being used to generate electricity and the same is being sold to different states while the people of Kashmir have been left to bear the brunt,” he added.
Mr Geelani also criticised the recent order by a Delhi court which declared senior militant commander and chairman of Pakistan-based militant group alliance, United Jehad Council, Syed Salahuddin as a proclaimed offender.
He said Mr Salahuddin is fighting for a scared cause and it was “India’s rigid approach” vis-à-vis resolution of Kashmir that has compelled people like him to take up guns.
“The people like Syed Salahuddin are not terrorists but they are the freedom fighters who are fighting for the independence of Kashmir and are ready to lay their lives for this cause,” M Geelani said.
‘Narendra Modi Killer, Syed Salahuddin Freedom Fighter’ | Free Press Kashmir
“Modi’s candidature ‘shame for Indian democratic, secular claims”: Geelani
SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s octogenarian separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani has said the the nomination of Narendra Modi as a Prime Ministerial candidate is a shame for India’s democratic and secular credentials.
He termed Mr Modi, who has been accused of involvement in the 2002 Gujrat pogrom, as a “killer of humanity”.
Addressing a public rally at Kulgam in south Kashmir, Mr Geelani said: “Modi is responsible for the gross human rights violations and barbaric victimization of Muslims in Gujarat.”
Mr Geelani, who has been placed under house arrest on and off and is being allowed to hold rallies selectively reiterated his election boycott call.
“The mainstream parties like Congress, NC, PDP and other parties are equally responsible for the victimization of Kashmiris as India is. Those who will vote are like brokers of sacrifices offered by martyrs,” he said.
He said that it is the mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir that bartered the state’s natural resources especially water.
“It is why the people of Kashmir have been pushed into perpetual darkness. Our water resources are being used to generate electricity and the same is being sold to different states while the people of Kashmir have been left to bear the brunt,” he added.
Mr Geelani also criticised the recent order by a Delhi court which declared senior militant commander and chairman of Pakistan-based militant group alliance, United Jehad Council, Syed Salahuddin as a proclaimed offender.
He said Mr Salahuddin is fighting for a scared cause and it was “India’s rigid approach” vis-à-vis resolution of Kashmir that has compelled people like him to take up guns.
“The people like Syed Salahuddin are not terrorists but they are the freedom fighters who are fighting for the independence of Kashmir and are ready to lay their lives for this cause,” M Geelani said.
‘Narendra Modi Killer, Syed Salahuddin Freedom Fighter’ | Free Press Kashmir