Srinagar, Nov 02 (KNS): Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Working President of National Conference Omar Abdullah Monday critisised Mufti-led PDP-BJP government over the crackdown on separatists six days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.
“Mufti Syed (sic) is right PM’s 7th Nov Srinagar rally will be historic – for the number of people arrested to make the rally possible,” Omar tweeted, in an apparent jibe at the current CM who on Sunday had said that PM Modi’s rally in Srinagar would be “historic”.
The state government arrested top separatist leaders, including Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Yasin Malik, who have extended their supported the ‘Million March’ rally called by Hurriyat (G) leader Syed Ali Geelani to counter PM Modi’s rally.
Chairman Democratic Party National (DPN) Ghulam Hassan Mir said the crackdown on separatists launched by the government only indicates that the ‘battle of ideas’ slogan is defeated.
Mir condemned the arrest of separatists before the proposed ‘Million March’.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“People of Kashmir were hopeful that by PM’s visit, the state will receive an impetus in development. But as the situation is developing from the last few days, it seems PM’s visit has cast miserable shadow before his landing. The government is filling police stations by jailing youths form the last week. PDP’s ‘battle of ideas’ slogan stands defeated,” Mir said.
Chairman Peoples Democratic Front Hakim Yaseen condemned the crackdown, saying that brouhaha about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit should be taken a usual government exercise.
“The government is beating drums about the PM’s visit. But people should not read much into it. PM visits every state and announces packages there. Modi’s visit to the Valley is also one such usual visit to a state. His visit would have been historic if he will be announcing an unconditional dialogue with the separatists on Kashmir issue,” Yaseen said, taking a jibe at chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who has called the proposed PM’s visit “historic”. (KNS)