Asks journalists to weed out negative propaganda against Kashmir
Srinagar: A 16-member delegation of journalists from Mumbai Press Club called upon Huriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq at his Nageen residence.
According to the statement issued to KNS, journalists representing prominent media organizations like PTI, HT, and others were among the delegates.
During his meet with the journalists, Mirwaiz stressed upon the visiting delegates to give prominent space and help in weeding out the negative propaganda promoted by the state among the Indian people regarding Kashmir in their respective media outlets. He told them Kashmir was neither a regional issue, nor a religious one, adding, it was a political and human issue which should be addressed in that particular context.
Mirwaiz stated that it was extremely unfortunate that government was spreading misleading information among people regarding Kashmir dispute and presenting it as a Pakistan sponsored problem. In reality, he told the visiting journalists that Kashmir issue was a living reality for which people have rendered innumerable sacrifices.
Huriyat (M) Chairman suggested journalists to meet common people in Kashmir to know their opinion, adding, they should try hard to know the realities attached to Kashmir dispute and present those very facets them before the people of India as they are.
Mirwaiz stated that change in government or faces have no bearing on Kashmir dispute. He stated that the need of the hour was that emotions and aspirations of Kashmiris should be considered and a realistic thinking and approach should be adopted to move forward and initiate a meaningful dialogue between India, Pakistan and Kashmiris to solve the vexed dispute.
Stressing that Kashmir were not against Indian people, Mirwaiz stated that they wanted economic progress in the region, adding, for that to happen, it was imperative to solve the Kashmir issue- a constant source of tension in South Asia.
Huriyat (M) Chairman further stated that civil rights of Kashmiri people have been usurped by the state. He said that religious, political and social activities of leaders have been restricted, adding, curfews, undeclared curfews, killings and rights violations are the order of day. He appealed the visiting journalists to deliver the duties professionally by highlight the human and political dimensions of the Kashmir ‘dispute’.