Asks Govt to come clean on New Industrial Policy, Pandit townships, Sainik colonies
Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Wednesday threatened 2008-like stir if the government failed to come clean on the issue of New Industrial Policy and establishment of Pandit and Sainik colonies.
“If government decides to go ahead with the implementation of Industrial Policy or establishment of separate colonies for migrant Kashmiri Pandits or Sainik colonies, we will not sit back but launch a 2008-like mass agitation when the government had to roll back allotment of land to Amarnath Shrine Board,” said the Mirwaiz.
He was speaking to mediapersons after chairing a seminar organized by Anjuman-I-Nusrat-ul-Islam, Ashajipora as part of its Haftai-Shahadat program.
“Hurriyat Conference is not silent over the issue and a Committee has been formed in this regard to hold deliberations with other pro-freedom parties,” said Mirwaiz, adding that JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin Malik’s presence in yesterday’s seminar was a step in that direction
He said that they have invited all pro-freedom leaders including Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani and Yasin Malik to participate in the May 21 rally commemorating the anniversary of Late MirwiazMaulvi Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone.
“We have been creating awareness among people about these anti-Kashmir policies during our ongoing Haftai-Shahadat program and will present an important agenda during May 21 rally,” said the Mirwaiz, adding that there is a need to frame joint strategy to counter “the evil designs of New Delhi.”
Mirwaiz asked traders, employees and civil society to join hands in foiling the designs of the government.
“I appeal them to exert pressure on government and ask it to come clean on establishment of colonies for Sainiks and Kashmiri migrant Pandits as well as implementation of New Industrial Policy,” he said, adding that if they (the government) can’t do that then all need to come together and start a movement against it.
He also appreciated the role of media in ‘exposing the intentions of the government.’
“Since 1947, different things have been done here secretly. So, had it not been for media, nefarious plans would not have come to fore,” Mirwaiz said and accused New Delhi of trying to change the ‘disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir.’
“For last 70 years, New Delhi is trying to change the special status of J&K and dilute its disputed nature. From time to time, they have been coming up with policies— whether at political, economic or social level– to change the status of Kashmiris as the principal party to the dispute,” said Mirwaiz.
“We are being made to rely on Srinagar-Jammu Highway while the trade through natural Srinagar-Muzzafarabad route is deliberately not being allowed to flourish,” said Mirwaiz.
He said that their party will form a strategy to press for expanding of cross LoC trade and opening more routes.
“We are not against setting up of new industrial units, but would allow non-local corporations to invest and set up their businesses here,” said Mirwaiz.
He asked Jammu and Kashmir Bank to come forward and provide soft loans to educated youth so that they can establish their own units.
“There are reports that J&K Bank has provided loans to many non-local businessmen who have turned defaulters and it is very unfortunate. We appeal them to prefer local youth,” said Mirwaiz.
He emphasized on revival of locals industries like handicrafts.
Earlier during the seminar students from Nusrat-ul-Islam Islamabad and RajouriKadal (Srinagar) presented their views on the set topic.
Peoples League Chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, was also present on the occasion.
