Mirwaiz should be respected as religious leader, not targeted: Salman Ali Sagar
Srinagar: Senior National Conference leader Salman Ali Sagar on Saturday said that house arrests, political disempowerment and weakening of democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir were a direct outcome of the 2014 alliance between the People’s Democratic Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Talking to reporters, Sagar said the PDP managed to get some political breathing space through the Budgam by-election, but alleged that the seat was manipulated. He said the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir was the result of decisions taken by PDP leadership, which, according to him, pushed the region into a prolonged crisis.
Sagar said several issues continue to exist and need to be addressed through political and administrative measures. He clarified that his party was not claiming that all problems had been resolved. However, he maintained that the condition of the electricity supply had improved compared to the past.
Responding to allegations of political understanding with the BJP, Sagar said there was no match-fixing between his party and the BJP. He said differing opinions within the party, including views expressed by Aga Ruhullah, reflect the internal democratic culture of the party where members are free to speak their minds. He added that the BJP speaks opportunistically for its own political survival.
On the issue of Mirwaiz, Sagar as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is the chief priest of Kashmir and deserves respect as a religious leader, even if there are ideological differences. He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has repeatedly condemned the house arrest of the Mirwaiz and asserted that everyone should be allowed to express themselves freely.
Sagar said the Mirwaiz family has made sacrifices and that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should not be subjected to criticism or personal attacks. He supported the view that dialogue is necessary and said personal character assassination of leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah must stop. [KNT]
