Don't preach peace process: Hizb to Mirwaiz

Srinagar, May 6: The Hizbul Mujahideen, the single largest indigenous militant group active in Jammu and Kashmir, has asked moderate Huriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to stop preaching peace process during his Friday sermons at Jamia Masjid.

In a statement here, Hizb spokesman Junaid-ul-Islam ridiculed the Mirwaiz for his statement that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were being labelled as ''saleable commodity''.

''The Mirwaiz's statement that Kashmiris were being labelled as saleable commodity is far from truth. The label fits the political leadership as they change their stances like seasons. They (Hurriyat leaders) violated the amalgam constitution and established relations and started negotiations with India,'' he added.

Despite fully knowing the amount of sacrifices made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesman said some political leaders were changing their colours like the four seasons to suit their personal and vested interests. ''Trusting India is like committing suicide.'' He said some leaders, for their vested interests, set up new parties and changed their loyalties while the people of the state remained steadfast to their cause and continued to offer sacrifices.

''The Mirwaiz should stop advocating the peace process from the historic Jamia Masjid while delivering Friday sermons. Like his grandfather Moulana Mohammad Yousuf Shah, he should preach freedom and jehad,'' the spokesman said.

He said Mirwaiz should not be talking of the peace process if he really respected the sacrifices of the people, but give a call for a ''struggle'' from the Jamia Masjid.

The spokesman claimed XV Corps General Officer-in-Commanding Lt Gen A S Sekhon had recently stated that some fake encounters were bound to take place as security forces have special powers.

''The statement has exposed the mindset of Army and New Delhi.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir are neither fed up nor tired. Their morale is high and will continue with their fight for right to self-determination till the goal is achieved,'' he said.

UNI