Hurriyat Responds Positively to Talks Offer by Governor
N N Vohra, incumbent Governor of J&K
NEW DELHI: Both the factions of Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq respectively have taken the Governor N N Vohra's suggestion of Kashmir-Talks seriously, with the Hurriyat ready to discuss the possibility if the government formalises the proposal.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, while addressing the State Assembly on Wednesday had said that under the ambit of "Insaniyat", a dialogue on the Kashmir issue will be initiated with Hurriyat leaders and an offer of talks will be made soon to them.
“It should be recalled that the erstwhile NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had initiated a dialogue process with all political groups including the Hurriyat Conference, in the spirit of ‘Insaaniyat, Kashmiriyat aur Jamhuriyat'”, Vohra said, adding that under the same ambit, the Hurriyat will once again be invited for a dialogue.
Talking to reporters in Srinagar, Hurriyat Conference (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said that the amalgam will discuss its forthcoming strategy in its advisory council, once the offer of talks is extended to the conglomerate.
"Resolution of Kashmir at the earliest is not only in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir but will also benefit billions of people of south Asia including both India and Pakistan" Ayaz Akbar said.
Hurriyat spokesperson also confirmed their meeting with Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit on March 23.
“Yes, we are going there. Several issues will be discussed with Mr Basit and we would also listen to what the Pakistan High Commissioner has to say.”, he added.
Meanwhile, moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also wants to discuss the issue with the executive council before making any statement.
"We are meeting today to discuss this issue threadbare and will let you know" Mirwaiz said.
He further added that Hurriyat Conference has always supported the dialogue process for Kashmir resolution and will continue to support and help initiate the meaningful dialogue process.
Interestingly, Mirwaiz is also meeting the Pakistan High Commissioner on Sunday, which is a day before the meeting with Geelani.