Spend on education and healthcare, not concerts: Mirwaiz Umer

Srinagar, Aug (IANS): Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat group, Sunday said that instead of spending crores of rupees on the Zubin Mehta concert here next month, the authorities should use the funds for education and healthcare of down-trodden Kashmiris.

Addressing a gathering here, the Mirwaiz noted that crores of rupees would be spent on boarding, lodging and travel of artistes for the concert being organized here by the German embassy.

"Instead of spending the money on this event, it would be better if this money is utilized for the healthcare and education of the down-trodden people in this conflict zone of Kashmir," he said.

Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has already appealed to German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner not to organize the proposed concert since he believes that "holding such international events give legitimacy to Indian rule in disputed Kashmir".

Zubin Mehta is scheduled to hold a musical concert in Shalimar Garden on the banks of the Dal Lake Sep 7.