Jammu, December 6 (KIP): A fresh row has erupted between the hardliners
and the moderates among the separatists in Kashmir on account of
Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat's meeting with the interlocutor Dineshwar
Sharma. The hardliners have gone to the extent of suggesting to Molvi
Umar Farooq, who heads the conglomerate of moderates among the
separatists, to expel Prof. Bhat and others who had talks with the
interlocutor.
Prof. Bhat had announced three days ago that his doors are open
for anybody to meet him and discuss the Kashmir issue. He had stated
that there was no harm in meeting any interlocutor. And when he
fulfilled his desire the hardliners have demanded that he (Prof. Bhat)
be expelled from the separatist camp.
Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, has said that his willingness to meet
Government of India (GoI) interlocutor, Dineshwar Sharma, doesn't
betray any differences within the separatist camp. He said that the
Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) was also in favour of the talks.
Senior Hurriyat (M) leader and chairman of Muslim Conference, Bhat
said that “dialogue isn't a forbidden fruit for anyone of us.” He
said the JRL may choose to meet anyone and “I may choose to meet
anyone else”, but the fact is that “in principle all of us want a
dialogue on Kashmir issue.”
To a question that JRL comprising Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed
Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chief
Yasin Malik has ruled out any scope of dialogue with Sharma, Bhat
said: “They may choose to meet someone. In principle all of us want
dialogue. Talks and talks with a purpose are a way forward. My
suggestion is we can't do anything unless we talk.”
Asked if he has recently met Interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, as
reported in some sections of media, Bhat stated , “First there is no
problem in meeting. Second, if I meet him, I won't hide it. I will
reveal…I will reveal my heart. I owe it to my people.”
Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in his reaction, said Prof
Bhat should have abided by the JRLs decision over talks with Dineshwar
Sharma. “I don't know about the meeting. Prof Saheb didn't inform me.
If the newspaper reports are correct Prof Saheb should have abided by
the Forum's decision on it as far as the stand of Hurriyat Conference
is concerned which believes in sincere and result oriented dialogue as
a means of conflict resolution of Kashmir dispute. The talks have to
include the three parties India, Pakistan and most importantly people
of Jammu and Kashmir whose will and aspirations have to be
addressed.”(KIP)
