The incarcerated chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Shabir Ahmad Shah while reacting against the statement of India’s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said Indian leadership is exhibiting stubbornness and pushing the region to the brink of war.In a statement issued to KNS, Shah said the running away from tripartite dialogue and UN resolutions is acknowledgement of an open defeat by New Delhi and that resorting to rhetoric that Kashmir is an integral part of India won’t help Indian leadership in any way.Shah suggested the Indian leadership to shun the negative mindset and bear in mind that Jammu Kashmir is not its property but a region that has been acknowledged as disputed by world including the United Nations.He said the whole mechanism of administration in the State is carried out through military force while as the reality is that the State is under illegal occupation. He said despite utilising the entire occupational machinery including 8 lakh forces, New Delhi and its collaborators in JK are unable to break the pro-freedom sentiments of the people of the State.
“Indian leadership must introspect as to why the nations who achieved independence after India have touched the heights of success, progress, and prosperity while as more than half of India’s population still sleeps on footpath and live below poverty line. The basic reason to this is the militarisation in Kashmir and the defence procurement which consumes 70 percent of India’s budget,” he said.“So, our sincere suggestion to New Delhi is that it shuns obduracy and show sincerity in resolving the Kashmir which is the main issue threatening peace in the region.”Shabir Ahmad Shah strongly condemned the reign of oppression unleashed by Indian forces, SOG, and police across Valley saying it is extremely unfortunate and shameful that atrocities are continued even in this holy month of Ramadhan.He slammed authorities for beating people in Sopore and vandalising of Jamia Masjid Ashtengoo, destroying of houses and vehicles in Bandipora. “If such hooliganism is not stopped, people will come out on roads,” he said.Meanwhile, Shabir Ahmad Shah paid rich tributes to Gulzar Ahmad and Basit Ahmad who were martyred in gunfight with forces at Pazalpora, Sopore. “We’re indebted to the sacrifices of all our martyrs and are committed to take their mission to its conclusion,” Shah said. (KNS)