August 01, 2008	Friday	Rajab 28, 1429

SRINAGAR, July 31: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has warned the government of occupied Kashmir of “grave consequences” if it does not take steps to protect the lives of Kashmiris travelling on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

The APHC said in a statement on Thursday that the region’s dry fruit industry was on the verge of collapse as “Hindu communalists have managed to scare away drivers from the highway”. “Kashmir’s business community will be forced to take ‘direct action’ if no measures are taken to end the blockade.”

According to the Hurriyat, pro-Delhi parties have been trying to “outdo even Indian troops in humiliating Kashmiris”, citing an incident in which Javed Mustafa Mir, a former legislator, roughed up a freedom fighter, Bashir Ahmad Wani.

“The Indian government should put an end to such brutalities. Otherwise it would be responsible for consequences,” the APHC said.