Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah was scheduled to address a public gathering at Pulwama Friday but the undue restrictions imposed upon him by authorities prevented him from stepping out of his residence, a party spokesperson said.
According to a statement issued to KNS, “as such, a team headed by Er Farooq Ahmad which included Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh, Nazir Ahmad Tanda, Shabir Ahmad Baba and others left for addressing the people in Jamia Masjid Pulwama. As soon as they entered the mosque, police arrested them,” the spokesperson said.
Reacting against the arrests of pro-freedom leaders and activists, DFP Chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah, who continues to be under house arrest, in a statement severely, criticized the Mufti Sayeed led government over “deceiving the people in every respect.” “Even his (Mufti’s) slogan of “battle of ideas” was a big lie and deception. Here every genuine voice is choked and every right of people snatched. There is nothing like freedom of speech or expression prevalent in the State. All slogans proved to be hollow and misleading. He (Mufti) is only emerging as a failed dictator.”
Shah said his party had, time and again, planned to meet people in Pulwama but “under the current dictatorial regime, we’re unable to organize any such program.” “Instead, our party representatives, members and activists are arrested.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIt seems the so-called champions of democracy have kept the right of speech and expression only within themselves.”
He hailed the courage and pro-freedom spirit of people of south Kashmir areas of Pulwama, Tral, Kulgam, Shopain and Islamabad and reiterated the pledge that sacrifices of martyrs will not be allowed go waste. He also strongly condemned the recent incident of harassment of an honorable woman by police SOG personnel and said such incidents would not be tolerated at any cost. “The resistance leadership is not allowed to share grief with the people. The administration completely lacks courage to fight its opponents in a political way.”
Meanwhile, Shabir Ahmad Shah has welcomed the statement of OIC secretary general Ayad bin Amin Madni over Kashmir, terming it “timely” and “based on truth”. “The statement is satisfactory and as per the wishes and aspirations of the people of J&K. We hope the OIC will play its role in resolution of issues like Palestine and Kashmir.”
Shah also hailed the efforts of Pakistan with regard to their unflinching support to Kashmiris in their fight for “self-determination” and expressed hope the Islamic Republic will continue to do so in future. (KNS)