Geelani lashes out at BJP

Srinagar: Deploring the  ‘anti-Kashmir and anti-Muslim’ remarks of senior BJP leaders in Jammu, Hurriyat Conference(G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani  Wednesday said ‘provocative’ statements and slogans cannot  change the “disputed” status of Jammu and Kashmir.

“For the past 63 years, the Sangh Parivar, Jan Sagh and other communal forces in India have tried to change the status of this disputed area, but the sensitivity and seriousness of the issue has only grown with time. Again, these communal forces are trying to defame our freedom struggle by communalising the situation in Jammu. However, we will never allow them to succeed in their evil designs and would continue our peaceful struggle while upholding moral and humanitarian values,” Geelani said in a statement issued.

Addressing ‘Ekta Sankalp Rally’ at Parade Ground in Jammu yesterday, BJP’s top brass  including national president, Nitin Gadkari, veteran leader, L K Advani and leaders of opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitely  vowed  not to allow the Indian Parliament to pass any resolution on Autonomy, Self-rule and interlocutors’ recommendations.

The BJP leaders also demanded abrogation of Article 370 that gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, maintaining it was a “stumbling block” to the development of the state, saying the party won’t “compromise on J&K’s integration with India”

The Hurriyat (G) Chairman appealed people to ignore the BJP’s “babble” and maintain the centuries old tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood.

However, Geelani said, he was concerned that communal forces were creating “an atmosphere of fear and tension among Jammu Muslims, and Jan Sangh has made the province centre of its extremist and communal activities.”

“Muslims in Jammu are feeling insecure. Their fears of another 1947 like genocide are not misplaced given the manner in which communal forces are gaining influence in administration, police and the army,” he said.