Non-resolution of Kashmir threatens peace in entire subcontinent: Geelani

Srinagar, Feb 22: Terming Kashmir as a basic issue of contention between the two nuclear powers of the subcontinent, Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani on Friday said the “unrealistic attitude” of Indian leadership regarding this globally accepted political dispute and dealing with it militarily has created death and destruction in the whole state.
He said if this problem is not solved, not only Indo-Pak subcontinent but the global peace and stability, is under severe threat which may culminate in the world’s biggest human catastrophe.
In a statement, Geelani said that Jammu & Kashmir is not merely a territorial dispute between the two neighbouring countries, but an issue of survival of more than 1.5 million people.
“It has always threatened the peace of the whole sub-continent creating a situation of uncertainty and political turbulence leading to a war like situation whenever there is any incident on either side,” he said adding that unless this bone of contention is addressed according to the wishes and aspirations of its natives, permanent peace and stability will remain a distant dream.
Commenting on the prevailing situation, Hurriyat (G) chairman said every corner of India is a ‘No Go’ area for Kashmiris, where a “witch-hunt” of Kashmiris is on peak and they are tortured, humiliated, ruthlessly beaten with seditious cases being registered against them.
“Time and again such events prove, beyond doubt that forceful and unholy togetherness can never cement any bonds between them. Such bonding is so fragile that even a slight breeze disrupts and disbands it,” he said.
Geelani appealed the global community including the conscious and patriotic Indians to come forward and raise their voice to safeguard Kashmiris and help India “not to get fragmented the same way as the fate of USSR in the recent past”.
He further warned if good sense will not prevail upon them then the biggest catastrophe of humanity is on cards and it hardly matters which country mourns more deaths.