Normalcy in Kashmir will return if army is withdrawn: Mirwaiz Umer Farooq

Moderate Hurriyat Conference headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq today said normalcy will return to Kashmir only if the government withdraws troops, revokes "draconian" acts and releases all prisoners unconditionally.

Responding to prime minister Manmohan Singh's statement asking people to give peace a chance, Mirwaiz said, "Peace will not return unless the government withdraws its troops, revokes armed forces special powers act, disturbed areas act, removes army and security camps and bunkers from civilian areas and releases all the prisoners unconditionally."

However, Mirwaiz said Kashmir issue can be resolved only by either implementing United Nations resolutions or initiating tripartite talks (involving India, Pakistan and Kashmiris).

He said no bilateral solution can resolve Kashmir issue. "We have seen in the past agreements signed between India and Pakistan and between India and Kashmiri leaders (National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah). These proved futile."

Addressing a Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz, referring to the offer of autonomy as a solution to Kashmir issue, said, "We don't want economic packages, jobs, incentives and autonomy. We want freedom."

Later, he led a massive procession from the mosque to Mirwaiz Manzil at Rajourikadal in which thousands of people participated.

Mirwaiz also indicate that a civil disobedience movement will be started at district and tehsil level.