Group of Muslim intellectuals calls for easing restrictions in Kashmir

A group of Muslim intellectuals on Wednesday called for easing of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir, while asserting that the state is an integral part of India and national interest is paramount.

India First, a group of Muslim intellectuals, also issued a release saying that as members of the civil society, they are concerned at the current human sufferings, particularly in the Valley.

The group said the reorganisation of the state following the abrogation of Article 370 provisions has raised apprehensions "in a section of the society".

"India as a democratic and secular country is governed by its Constitution. Every Act of Parliament with no exceptions is binding on all of us. However, for seeking further amendments, the same forum is available with a set of mechanism," the statement said.

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and there can be no compromise or surrender on that, it said.

The India First Group said the statement has been endorsed by 37 Muslim intellectuals such as India First convenor Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed, Lt Gen Zameeruddin Shah (retd), former president Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed's son Dr Pervez Ahmed and Maulana Azad Urdu University Chancellor Firoz Bakht.

"We decided that we should speak out in national interest and windows should be opened...We have raised humanitarian issues that people should get food, they should be able to earn a living, they should be able to have access to medical facilities," Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed said.

The government would be focussing on those issues and the group also wanted to bring the focus on such areas, he said.

Restrictions need to be eased and eventually gone, and dialogue with the Kashmiri people should be started at all levels, Ahmed said.

The human factor must take precedence over everything else, he said.