Srinagar: Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani on Saturday said that the dialogue was the only way forward to resolve “world’s oldest unresolved issue” but “onus” lies on India to illustrate seriousness and sincerity.
Geelani, who is also chairman of Tehreek-e-Huriyat said Kashmir issue remains bone of contention between India and Pakistan and a potential threat to peace in sub-continent.
Speaking at an executive council meeting of TeH, Gthe octogenarian blamed Indian authorities for “prevailing bloodshed”. “It is (India’s) stubbornness and haughty approach that has turned the whole sub- continent into a slaughterhouse and despite (New Delhi’s) pressure tactics, it couldn’t break our resolve and people pursue the right to self-determination.”
He said India was not sincere in resolving the Kashmir issue and reiterated that “in principal we are not against dialogue process but we favour only meaningful and result oriented negotiations.”
“We have a clear agenda and our viewpoint is unambiguous that Kashmir issue can be resolved through dialogue, however the onus lies on India to illustrate its seriousness and sincerity,” added Geelani.
He said conducive atmosphere for negotiations was prime necessity and history stands witness that India instead of acknowledging its historical perspective, as core and political issue, always treated it a law and order problem.
“Dialogue is the only option but unfortunately India has never assigned any political importance to this issue.
While referring to groups led by Ram Jethmalani, Padgaonkar, Congress working group and their recommendations, Geelani asked about the outcome of their recommendations.
He also expressed his deep concern over the prevailing situation in state, saying that unabated “state sponsored violence, arrests, intimidations and killings will further deteriorate the situation.”
He said detainees despite bailed out by court are re-arrested and repeatedly slapped with PSA to prolong their detention.
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