Srinagar: National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abullah on Saturday asked the authorities to stop ‘harassing’ people in Poonch for their ‘failures.
He said innocent people should not be harassed during the operation that has been started in Poonch district of Jammu region.
Pertinently, five armed forces personnel were killed in a militant attack in Poonch two days back. After the attack armed forces launched a massive search operation.
Farooq Abdullah, who offered Eid prayers at Hazratbal Srinagar, told reporters that innocent people are being arrested and then tortured. “It is their (govt’s) fault. Don’t arrest innocent people in Poonch. It should be stopped,” he said.
In response to a question, Farooq Abdullah expressed regret for not allowing Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid.
“It shouldn’t have happened. Even Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should be released and allowed to give sermons from the pulpit so that people can benefit from his sermons,” Farooq Abdullah said. [KNT]
