Omar blames Hurriyat Conference leadership for violence on Eid

SRINAGAR - Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday blamed Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq for instigating violence in Srinagar, as he said that his government had permitted a peaceful demonstration on the occasion of Eid festival.

He accused the separatists of breach of trust after violent mobs targeted police and government buildings in Srinagar after the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

“We received a request from Mirwaiz for the peaceful protest and we gave them the permission. But the trust has been betrayed. Mirwaiz and Yasin (Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader Yasin Malik) abused the trust that they had been given to carry out peaceful protest and also the sentiments of the Eid festival,” Omar told a private new channel.

Terming the protests on Eid as unfortunate, Omar said: “A small minority, a section of the crowd decided to burn the police barracks. Such incidents also weaken my case. In the face of violence it becomes difficult to move forward.”

The Chief Minister, however, claimed that the situation in Kashmir Valley was under control and appreciated security forces for their restraint despite facing so much provocative protest.

“The situation in the Valley is under control. The forces have shown utmost restraint in spite of great provocation by a handful of people. This has to be looked as a confidence building measure to show the people who are inclined to carry out protest,” said Omar.

He pointed out the security forces fired in the air to disperse the violent mob and no one was injured in the firing.

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) SM Sahai also blamed Mirwaiz for the violence.

He informed during the violence police barracks in the lawns of Hazratbal Shrine, police vehicles, the offices of Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch and the chief engineer in Srinagar were set on fire.

However, Mirwaiz said that he did not incite the mob and claimed that Hurriyat Conference had always “stood for peaceful protests”.

He also said “half-hearted steps taken by Central Government would not help” while adding that Kashmir was a political problem and that all the political parties should come together and solve the problem,

“We had called for a peaceful procession. Thousands and thousands of people joined the protests and they were peaceful. Unfortunately, some miscreants damaged public property and buildings. We strongly condemn this in the strongest possible terms,” said Mirwaiz. (ANI)