Srinagar, Oct. 3 -- Hurriyat Conference chairman and Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was allowed to deliver today's sermon at Srinagar's historic Jamia Masjid after three weeks and he used the occasion to tell the administration that "coercion and pressure tactics only alienate people."He expressed deep dismay at being repeatedly prevented from coming to Jamia Masjid and fulfilling his obligations of a Mirwaiz.
He said these restrictions serve no purpose except to highlight the arbitrariness and high-handedness of those wanting to rule by force rather than in the spirit of democracy.
He said the authorities in Jammu & Kashmir and in New Delhi need to demonstrate a large heart and wisdom in dealing with issues. "Imposing bans, p...