SRINAGAR, Aug 29: The hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference led by senior separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has expressed concern over, what it says, was increasing interference by Army in schools, colleges and universities of Kashmir, a region where tens of thousands have died after rebellion broke out more than two decades ago.
The amalgam has asked students, especially females, and their families to desist from attending functions organised by the army and has asked them to “focus on their careers” and not get involved in “politicising of education”.
“On Wednesday some newspapers reported that the Army is organising a seminar on September 1 and a senior Army officer has sent letters to various schools asking them to ensure presence of at least 20 of their students,” a statement issued by the Hurriyat said.
“To strengthen their hold on Kashmir, India is active on various fronts. On the one hand violence is used to suppress the confidence of Kashmiris and on the other there are attempts to decimate the religious and cultural identity of our youth through cultural aggression.”
The Hurriyat has accused the Army of conducting such activities under the pretext of ‘operation Sadbhavna’.
“They (Army) do not want to see any sphere of life left out. For this schools have been selected as launching pads for the operation. This is a well-thought of design by New Delhi to put a mark on our Muslim identity and the Army is just a tool in such attempts,” the Hurriyat statement said.
However the Army say the idea behind this seminar is to give a “practical and workable solution to the entrepreneurial dreams” of the youth.
“They should identify the milestones, necessities and hurdles with respect to their ventures so that they can be projected before the experts and solution sought. In addition to the panelists, experts from all possible fields of concern will be available to address the issues thrown by the future entrepreneurs,” an army spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the seminar has already received an “overwhelming” response from the valley’s youth.
“In the series of seminars on the subject, similar efforts have been planned at other places in the Valley. Therefore, Chinar Corps informs the youth of Valley that a greater participation of youth from Srinagar will be entertained during this seminar,” he said.
