Rejecting the so-called polls in Kashmir, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday applauded the people for their unflinching support and commitment to the ongoing freedom struggle.Mirwaiz said peoples continuous association with the freedom struggle and their fight for the right to self determination despite Kashmir having been turned into a police state for the staged polls and their leadership and youth being arrested and detained by the state, is commendable.According to a statement issued Hurriyat (M) Chairman stated that spontaneous demonstrations against the rallies of so called mainstream parties show peoples anger and ire against these elements and their complete disconnect with the so called electoral process. Addressing the gathering at the historic Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz said that state had become more authoritarian in trying to impose these so called elections on the people of Kashmir and shove it down their throats, and in its eagerness was arresting Hurriyat leaders and activists.He said the army and other forces operating in the valley have increased their patrolling along the length and breadth of Kashmir, leading to large scale arrest of people. Mirwaiz said this was not only a matter of concern but it also shows the aggressive policies of state against people as has been the tradition.
Referring to Tosa Maidan lease issue HC Chairman said that there is no need to give alternative land to the army for establishing a firing ranges etc, since 12 firing ranges have already been allocated to them in Kashmir. He also appealed people to stay vigilant regading any announcement by the Govt. on this issue. Appealing to people from all walks of life to contribute towards social reforms, he said that only collective efforts towards social reforms could bring about the desired positive and healthy change in the society. In this regard certain steps h which include forming of mohalla and area committees have been initiated which need to be supported by all .He said that consumption of spurious drugs, liquor and addictive drugs are a matter of grave concern as they have led to many deaths besides ruining the society. In this regard in the next phase a meeting with chemists and representatives of drug companies would be held, and besides other things it would be stressed upon them not to sell drugs without doctors prescription. He announced that the next session of social reforms campaign would be held at Iddgah and Zoonimar on Sunday.Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condoled the death of the wife of renowned doctor, Atiqullah of Sopore, who passed away recently and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.Meanwhile in connection with the public contact programme, several Hurriyat leaders addressed gatherings at various places in Kashmir during which they appealed people to show complete commitment towrads freedom struggle and reject the namesake elections. Senior hurriyat leaders including Zaffar Akbar Bhat and Javaid Ahmad mir adressed people at Ichgam Badgam, Syed Bashir andrabi at Bandipora, Salim geelani at badamwari, and Khwaja Allam at gagat Sopore.