Omar Abdullah’s remark linking Mirwaiz’s CRPF cover to separatism’s decline in Kashmir draws fire

When asked if the situation had improved, the CM further said, “If the separatist politics has declined, it means it (situation) has improved”.

The Mirwaiz’s office said Monday: “The nonsensical comment of Omar Abdullah, who as someone holding a post of responsibility is assumed to talk sense, ascribing motives to the security provided to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, knowing fully well the circumstances, is highly regrettable and in very bad taste.”

“Such irresponsible comments betray the commentator’s insecurities and further disillusionment among the already beleaguered and repressed people regarding him and his mindset,” it added.

PDP MLA Waheed Para wrote on X: “Singling out Mirwaiz only puts him at greater risk, knowing well that his family has already paid a heavy price. The truth is, like hundreds of others, even graves, shrines, and mosques are guarded by JKP and CRPF. So why make an issue if Mirwaiz is?”

Para attributed the decline in separatist politics to tougher measures taken by the Centre against the separatists and the “ban on Hurriyat and Jamaat”.

“If Kashmir appears peaceful today, it is due to UAPA, PSA, NIA, attachment of houses and assets, constant profiling, verification, the lodgment of prisoners outside under stringent laws, and the sacking of employees under 311,” Para said, adding that the CM’s “endorsing peace” was a U-turn from his election campaign and “a ratification of the iron-fist approach against Kashmiris.”

Peoples Conference president Lone said: “Your mention of so-called security for Mirwaiz is what we know as —— speak to kill—- in the last 3 decades. You always had one of the highest security covers in India… Loose talk. Cruel talk. Killer talk”.