All Parties Hurriyat Conference (Geelani) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has said that New Delhi is trying to change the demography of Jammu and Kashmir by establishing slums for non-local residents here.
Addressing a crowded news conference at his Hyderpora residence, he said, “India is using same tactics in Kashmir which Israel used against Palestinians. They (Palestinians) were evicted from their homeland and 40 lakh of them are living life of refugees in Middle East,” “Those accusing us of exploiting youth are implementing plans of India. They buried their 22-year movement for becoming Chief Minister from the post of Prime Minister in 1975. He (Shiekh Muhammad Abdullah) passed Land Grants Bill. Who imposed Public Safety Act here?” he asked.
Ali Geelani also said that Maharaja Hari Singh ensured protection of Kashmiri identity by disallowing non-locals to purchase land or construct houses here ‘though Kashmiris suffered from oppression during Dogra rule.’
He said, “There is no need of framing new law aimed at providing housing facility to the state subjects and only motive of bringing the Bill in Assembly is to pave way for settling non-local residents here.”
He said the number of unmarked graves would be much higher in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our 10,000 people were subjected to enforced disappearances during past 20 years. So far 6500 graves have been discovered in five districts and it could be much higher as there is no district in JK where such graveyards are not found,” he said.
He also asked masses to remain cautious of the ‘cultural aggression waged by India in Kashmir.’
“Cultural aggression is more dangerous than forcible rule. Our daughters are being asked to dance in universities and colleges,” he said.