Opposition hits out at CM Omar over Mirwaiz security remark

Srinagar, Feb 25: The ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition parties of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday engaged in a war of words following chief minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks linking the enhanced security protocol provided to Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to a decline in separatist activities in J&K.

In an interview with national channel, chief minister Omar Abdullah had stated that there has been a decline in separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir post-abrogation of Article 370. He said it was unimaginable earlier for Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to be provided with CRPF cover.

The opposition parties accused Abdullah of retreating from promises made with the people during elections held in last year, while NC came to the rescue of its leader with senior leaders of the party accusing the opposition of “fishing in the desert”.

PDP leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed Para in a social media post said if there is no separatist activity being seen on ground in J&K today, it is due to laws like UAPA, PSA, NIA, property seizure and others.

Taking to micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter) Para said: “Dear OmarAbdullah Sahab, Since you are now endorsing peace—If Kashmir appears peaceful today, it is due to UAPA, PSA, NIA, attachment of houses and assets, constant profiling, verification, the lodgment of prisoners outside under stringent laws, and the sacking of employees under 311”.

“This is a complete U-turn from your election campaign and manifesto. Your endorsement now is nothing but a ratification of the iron-fist approach against Kashmiris,” Para said on X.

“If there is no separatist activity today, it is due to tougher measures against separatist and the ban on Hurriyat and Jamaat. And if Mirwaiz Sahab has been given security, it is not for his safety but because his vulnerability has increased,” the post on X said.

“Singling out Mirwaiz only puts him at greater risk, knowing well that his family has already paid a heavy price. The truth is, like hundreds of others, even graves, shrines, and mosques are guarded by JKP and CRPF. So why make an issue if Mirwaiz is?,” PDP leader added on X.

Peoples’ Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone also took on chief minister Omar Abdullah for his remarks. He said the body language of CM Omar Abdullah contradicted his words.

“I may have millions of disagreements with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq sahib. But that his father was martyred is a reality. My father was matyred too. Even the date of martyrdom is the same and my father had gone to Idgah to commemorate the martyrdom of Mirwaiz Mohammed Farooq sahib and was shot there,” Sajad Lone said on X.

“CM sahib—-we are victims. We know what a violent death is. Our fathers were killed. Incidentally my father was killed under the watch of your father when he was the Chief Minister. And yes. He did not provide him security despite having clear inputs from the CID that there is likelihood of him being attacked. He did not provide me security when I wanted to go for his funeral. The Divisional Commissioner at that time came and expressed inability to provide security,” Lone said on X.

“You know what your statements mean. Your mention of so-called security for Mirwaiz is what we know as —— speak to kill—- in the last 3 decades. You always had one of the highest security covers’  in India. And does it behoove you to act like a white collar killer and make statements which greatly increase the threat perception of a person. Loose talk. Cruel talk. Killer talk. What a shame???  And Wallah. I am not surprised,” Lone added on X.

However NC while replying to opposition said that parts of Abdullah’s interview were taken out of context to generate unnecessary controversy.

“The opposition leaders have started fishing in the desert,” NC senior leader said.

The NC leader also questioned the PDP’s previous decisions that allowed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to operate in the region during its tenure.

Later in a tweet, the NC reiterated that the chief minister had discussed Article 370 and its importance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, sharing a clip to counter the opposition’s narrative.