Separatists have opposed cultural & musical programmes in Kashmir for long.
Hardline separatist Islamists have demanded cancellation of the first ever musical concert by world-renowned maestro Zubin Mehta in the famed Shalimar gardens on September 7.
Leading the charge, Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani has sent a public appeal to German ambassador Michel Stenier to review the decision to hold the show in Srinagar.
“Any sort of activity related to politics, diplomacy, culture or sports will have an adverse effect on the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir. Incidents of violation of human rights may be pushed to the background. We therefore wish that Germany should play a responsible role and stay away from any such move that may effect the noble cause of people,” said Geelani.
The 83-year-old pro-Pakistan hawk has been opposing cultural and musical programmes in the Kashmir valley owing it to his strong Islamic views. Geelani had openly sided with the moral police brigade in opposing the all girl-rock band Praagaash saying, “As a matter of fact no noble family will allow their girls to chose their profession as a dancer”.
His statement comes at a time when the stage is all set for the first ever show of Zubin Mehta in Shalimar gardens on the banks of the Dal Lake. It will be for the first time in 25 years that a show of this magnitude will be held in the Shalimar garden.
He reminded the German ambassador that in 2004 a visiting European Union delegation had declared Kashmir a “beautiful prison and supported their just cause”.
“Therefore, it is not suitable in any case for a responsible member of the European Union to organise a cultural programme for a select gathering, for their entertainment and ignoring the sufferings of inmates of this beautiful jail,” he said.
Geelani expressed the hope that the German government will understand their problem in its right perspective and review its decision and honour sacrifices, sentiments and aspirations of people of Kashmir.
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