‘Mirwaiz has nothing to tell about Kashmir’

CHANDIGARH - Former Punjab Police chief P.C. Dogra Friday condemned Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s initiative of educating people about Kashmir problems by travelling across the country, and said the Hurriyat Conference chief has nothing to tell about the region.

Yesterday (Thursday) in Chandigarh, Mirwaiz said he will travel to various places; organise seminars and discussions to highlight Kashmir problems and aspirations of Kashmiris. It is only a political gimmick and he has nothing to tell people, Dogra, former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, told reporters here Friday.

We strongly condemn it. All the issues which Mirwaiz is raising are old and he should not be allowed to go unchallenged. People have to raise their voice against Mirwaiz’s campaign, said Dogra, who is also the president of city-based NGO Forum on Integrated National Security.

Mirwaiz, who was in this union territory Thursday to participate in a seminar, was roughed up by displaced Kashmiri Pandits and Hindu right-wing activists who objected to his alleged anti-India comments.

A couple of protesters jumped on the conference table and scuffled with Mirwaiz. During the seminar, Mirwaiz said he would travel to different parts of the country and spread awareness about the aspirations of Kashmiri people and highlight their problems.

We would not tolerate anybody making anti-Kashmir statements. I appeal the police to do proper investigation, to book and put on trial all accused who gave such statements, said Dogra, who had also served in Kashmir Valley during the 1990s.

However, Dogra refused to comment on the manhandling of Mirwaiz.