Hurriyat hails Kashmir’s ex-CRPF chief for ‘honest’ statement

In a first, the hardline Hurriyat Monday praised former chief of the CRPF in the Valley N C Asthana for his "unbiased, honest and realistic" statement on Kashmir.

In an interview to Tehelka published Sunday, Asthana said a "strong anti-India sentiment persists" in Kashmir and people's participation in elections "doesn't prove that they repose trust" in the Indian system. He also said India should not read tourist rush as a return of normalcy.

"Kashmiris come out on roads to protest the death of even non-local militants. If a local boy is killed, some resentment is understood. But even when a man patently from outside Kashmir is gunned down, there is very strong protest action," Asthana said in the interview.

"Dr Asthana's statement that Kashmiris don't trust Indian system and strong anti-India sentiments persist in the Valley is a reality," said Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar. "We appeal to Indian leaders to pay heed to the voices of the country's true and conscientious people."

The Hurriyat also said Asthana's statement is an eye-opener for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other pro-India politicians in Jammu and Kashmir. "Unlike Dr Asthana, the pro-India leaders didn't have the courage to tell the truth to New Delhi," Akbar said. "They only know sycophancy to remain glued to power."

Akbar said pro-India leaders take credit when increasing number of tourists visit the Valley. "The tourists come to Kashmir because the people of Kashmir are not against it. For them, respect for guests is part of their religion," Akbar said. "If lesser number of tourists came to the Valley in 2008 or 2010, it was not that people of Kashmir prevented them from visiting. It is because they were themselves more careful."

Akbar said there is no dearth of realists like Asthana in India who time and again reiterate the truth. "That day is not far when people like Dr Asthana will come up from every corner of India."

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