Senior separatist leader and chairman of the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Friday asked parents in Kashmir not to send their children to army-run Goodwill schools.
''Goodwill schools are part of their long-term policy to strengthen occupation,'' Geelani said in a statement. “They are psychologically preparing our new generation to accomplish their nefarious designs.''
He asked the parents, particularly in Baramulla and Kupwara, to avoid these institutions and take a proper decision about their children and seek admission in local schools.
He said children pursuing the education in these institutions are immature and as such unintentionally are deviating from their roots.
He asked how the army can take care and provide good education to our children as they are following a particular policy.
''It is quite contradictory and there is no moral justification for this,'' he said.
Geelani alleged the Goodwill schools were making Kashmiri students indifferent towards their religion and culture.
The aging hawk accused the army of ‘interference’ in the educational institutions under ''operation Sadbhavana”
He said non-schooling activities in the Goodwill schools have adverse impact on the education of the students.
He said the frequent visit by the army to these schools also has a psychological impact on the students.
Geelani expressed deep apprehensions over the education imparted by army-run schools and said that a nation pursuing freedom struggle can never make occupiers the custodian of their future generations.
''They are killing, maiming and blinding us,'' he said. ''We cannot trust them (army) and put our future in their custody.'' He also claimed that the Goodwill schools are teaching syllabus that is influenced by fanatical dogma.
''Our youngsters are resisting occupation and giving them (army) a tough fight,'' he said.
Geelani said that Delhi is keen to change the choice of the Kashmiri students.
''We have the best education system in our state and the experts are imparting standard education to the students,'' he said. ''Parents are requested to take note of this grave matter and disassociate from these fanatical institutions.''
