Geelani Opposes Zubin Mehta Concert In Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Geelani is opposed to Kashmir hosting Zubin Mehta, renowned music conductor of international  reputation next month as he feels the concert will dilute disputed nature of Kashmir.

Indian orchestral conductor and musical director known for his expressiveness on the podium and for his interpretation of the operatic repertoire, Zubin Mehta is all set to perform at the historic Shalimar Bagh here on September  7.

The show is being organized by the German Embassy in collaboration with the state government.

Geelani urged the visiting German ambassador Michael Steiner  to review his decision of organizing such event in Srinagar.

“Any sort of activity related to politics, diplomatic, cultural or sports will have an adverse effect on the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir,” Geelani said in a statement. 

“We therefore wish that Germany should play a responsible role and stay away from any such move that may affect the noble cause of people of Kashmir,” Geelani added.

The octogenarian Kashmiri leader said that European Union delegation in 2004 while commenting over the grim situation in Kashmir had declared it “a beautiful prison” and “they supported our just cause.”

“Therefore, it is not suitable, in any case, for a responsible member of European Union to organize a cultural programme for a selected gathering for their entertainment while ignoring the sufferings of inmates of this beautiful jail,” he added.

Geelani said: “Taking into consideration its disputed nature, people of Kashmir opposed the international cricket match that was organized between West Indies and India in 1984. We still oppose and have similar reservations with regards to cultural programme to be organized on September 7.”

Terming the people of Jammu and Kashmir as “peace loving and hospitable” the veteran Hurriyat leader said the people from any corner of the world are respected here and are welcome. “We don’t even keep any sort of grudge with the people of India.”

Holding “violation of basic human rights” the root cause of political uncertainty in Kashmir since past 66 years, Syed Ali Geelani said that India despite admitting on national and international level did not provide opportunity to people of Kashmir to decide their political future as per their aspirations. “Nor does it honor their right to self-determination.”

“The United Nations not only accepted the international disputed character of the Kashmir conflict but also accorded sanctions to18 resolutions in this regard,” he said.

Earlier German Ambassador Michael Steiner had expressed confidence that the programme in Srinagar would go without a hitch.

At a press conference at the German Embassy in New Delhi last week, the ambassador said: “We will only hold it if security situation allows.” He said he was confident the event would go without any glitch.

When asked whether Zubin Mehta’s nationality and background may cause trouble in the Valley, he said: “It is purely a musical event and it has nothing to do with politics.”

“With the magic power of music, crossing geographical, political and cultural borders, we want to reach the hearts of Kashmiris with a message of hope and encouragement,” he added.

The ambassador has been working to organise the concert for the past one year.

Compositions of Beethoven, Hayden, and Tchaikovsky will be played by the Bavarian State Orchestra from Munich, one of the well-known orchestras of the world. This will be a cultural tribute to Kashmir and its warm-hearted people, said ambassador Steiner.

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