Suspended Moulana Mohammad Abbaas Ansari takes on the Hurriyat

A day after his party Ithad-ul-Muslimeen was suspended from moderate Hurriyat Conference for meeting interlocutors, Moulana Mohammad Abbaas Ansari on Thursday took on the separatist leadership for remaining silent over the last year’s stone pelting that led to the killing of 111 youth.

“I had stopped going to Hurriyat meetings for some time now because no one came forward (to stem the rot) when the education and career of our children was put to risk last year. Hurriyat should have come forward and clarified that it (stone pelting) is un-Islamic and not a right step to take,” Ansari, former Hurriyat chairman, said.

“We have been pelting stones due to which more than 100 people died. When one pelts stones on security force men they fire and with the result our people die”.

Ansari also said that guns have no role in the (secessionist) struggle and it cannot force solution to the Kashmir tangle.
Ansari said he was happy that he has been suspended because now his party is free to carry the struggle forward. “It is a good thing that I am not under Hurriyat. I have my independent views and we will continue to pursue our peaceful struggle for resolution of Kashmir issue”, he said.

His supporters were unhappy with the expulsion and took to streets raising anti-Mirwaiz and anti-Hurriyat slogans. Ithad-ul-Muslimeen general secretary Ghulam Hussian termed the decision unconstitutional as they were not given an opportunity to explain.

Meanwhile, chief minister Omar Abdullah said, “Ansari showed courage and held talks. Other separatists should also come forward.”