Jerusalem recognition unjust, say J&K leaders

Srinagar: Kashmir’s political parties and leaders have sharply reacted to US President Donald Trump’s formally recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, terming it “unjust"; hence “unacceptable”.

An alliance of key separatist leaders called ‘Joint Resistance Leadership’ (JRL) has called for protests in the Valley on Friday against Trump’s announcement.

This has prompted the authorities to place them and some other prominent separatist activists under house arrest. Also, security restrictions are likely to be enforced in sensitive areas of Srinagar and some other parts of Kashmir from Friday morning, the official sources here said.

“Certainly, the security is being stepped up all over the Valley and other sensitive areas of the State,” said a police officer ahead of a meeting which was scheduled to be held here on Thursday evening to review the situation.

Kashmir’s chief Muslim cleric and separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said, “President Trump’s unilateral, dictatorial and unjust decision is shocking. No civilized, democratic and peace-loving people will tolerate it.” Earlier, he tweeted, “We urge the UN to take action in accordance with UN charter. OIC should take strong note and act unitedly against this anti Muslim move.”