Srinagar:Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday defended the invitation extended to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for the proposed July 20 statehood protest at Jantar Mantar, saying the National Conference had reached out to people from every section of society.
Speaking to reporters, Choudhary questioned the criticism over Mirwaiz’s inclusion and said he was a citizen of India and a resident of Jammu and Kashmir.
“How many photographs do you want of BJP leaders with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq? Is Mirwaiz Sahib a Pakistani? Is he not a resident of Jammu and Kashmir? Does he not have voting rights? Does he not have a ration card? Does he not have a stake in Jammu and Kashmir?” Choudhary said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said he did not wish to enter into a debate over Mirwaiz’s past but maintained that, as far as India and Jammu and Kashmir were concerned, he was a citizen of the country.
He further described Mirwaiz as a religious leader who represented the sentiments of a large section of people.
“People follow him and respect him. That is why we have invited people from every section of society,” he said.
Choudhary added that invitations had also been extended to BJP leaders and other political parties to participate in the July 20 protest seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. [KNT]
