Kashmir: Violence erupts on Eid, Omar Abdullah blames Mirwaiz

M.today news

Srinagar, Sept. 11:  Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has blamed the separatists for the fresh bursts of violent protests in the Valley on the day of Eid-ul-fitr.

Omar said the violence "will cast a shadow" on the process to push for changes in the Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA).

"My office got a call from a close confidante of separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq that he and Yasin Malik plan to carry out peaceful protest till Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Since my administration is criticised for not giving people time and space for peaceful protest, I decided to allow them to carry out the protest against the wishes of some of my senior colleagues. The result is in front of you," Omar said.

His comments came hours after fresh wave of violence swept Srinagar right after the Friday prayers ahead of Eid celebrations.

"The separatists chose Eid to protest. Rather, they should focus on their prayers and celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan," Omar added.

He also complimented the work of the security forces that despite provocation, they displayed patience. Omar said the immediate situation is under control.

Violent mobs set several government buildings on fire - a police post, the Power development department, the crime branch office and the power corporation offices at Lal Chowk, in the heart of Srinagar.

 

But separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was quick to dismiss Omar’s comments. "It was only after we concluded our procession that some miscreants indulged in violence. We condemn it. It does not serve the purpose of the Kashmiri movement," he said. "It is high time India and Pakistan began a Kashmir-centric dialogue," he said adding that he was not "justifying what happened today".

On repealing the AFSPA, Mirwaiz said it is a "symbolic act" and the government should look at a "wholistic solution". He said the Hurriyat has given a list of suggestions to the government on confidence building measures, and supports demilitarisation of Kashmir.

Earlier in the day police fired in the air to disperse a mob, near Hazratbal, after they set ablaze a police post and attacked a police vehicle. No casualties were reported.

What triggered the attack is not known, but there was tension in the Hazratbal area as huge crowd gathered.

The fresh violence in Srinagar comes as the Centre considers a special peace package for the valley, including a partial withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from a few districts. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will meet on Monday in New Delhi to take a final decision.

 

In another part of Srinagar, Moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is leading a massive procession from Idgah to the Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar.

While, Mirwaiz said his protest march will be peaceful and the government needs to give space for peaceful protests.

Mirwaiz has so far been leading protests in downtown Srinagar, but this is the first time he’s leading such a huge procession to the heart of Srinagar.

Earlier in the day, Hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani was released, two days after he was arrested from his Hyderpora residence as a preventive measure.