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‘Let
Vajpayee and Musharraf come to Srinagar and discuss Kashmir’
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Abdul
Gani Bhat
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The
decision of the Centre to invite Pakistan CEO General Parvez
Musharraf for talks have left the Hurriyat Conference in a fix.
The conglomerate of 23 parties is still discussing how to react
to the summit and the eventualities. Recent statements of Hurriyat
leaders have revealed an attempt to shrug of the pro-Pakistan
tag and carve an independent space in the Kashmir imbroglio.
Hence the demand to Pakistan to withdraw troops from Pakistan-Occupied
Kashmir (POK) and a plebiscite in the state. Hurriyat Conference
Chairman Abdul Gani Bhat stressed that Pakistan should withdraw
from POK in an interview to TARIQ BHAT.
Interestingly, the Hurriyat chief who has been kept under house
arrest in Srinagar, also said that they realise that it is unrealistic
to demand a role at the Vajpayee-Musharraf summit. Excerpts:
What
role does the Hurriyat seek for itself in the impending Musharraf-Vajpayee
summit?
We
have to be realistic in our approach. In our terms of politics
we belong to a disputed territory and when the heads of two
sovereign countries meet we may not physically be there, but
considering the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and in the
subcontinent, it is unavoidable for both of them to ignore
us.
Do
you expect to be there if the talks register any headway?
When
the two heads will meet, we will be fully represented. They
will be talking Kashmir and its people which is the core issue.
And as I (Hurriyat) have said, it is imperative and quite
inevitable for them to involve Hurriyat as the talks progress.
Hurriyat
says pro-India parties are represented by India, therefore,
they have have no role in talks. The same can be said about
Hurriyat which is predominantly a pro-Pak lobby?
Historically,
India and Pakistan are parties to the dispute which is recognised
by the United Nations. But what follows is that not only India
and Pakistan but people of Jammu and Kashmir are also a party
to the dispute. We represent the majority sentiment. If the
majority principle applies to East Timor and Qubec in Canada
why not to Kashmir. I am not a surrogate like Farooq Abdullah
and not led by my nose by some one else.
Hurriyat’s
protest and political activities are continuing despite an
announcement of halt?
We
had said protests were being deferred and not suspended. This
was decided in view of the forthcoming summit. But the Doordarshan
distorted the statement and the press followed suit. Deferring
never means suspension. We wanted to organise protests, hartals
and other methods, which I may not like to reveal, against
state terrorism. But it was presented in a very very distorted
manner and was misinterpreted.
Will
you be appealing to militants for a ceasefire if the talks
register progress?
It
is here where our role becomes all the more important. This
is why we wanted to go to Pakistan.
But
the mujahideen have even rebuffed General Musharraf and have
vowed to continue their activities?
They
are our people. They are fighting for Kashmir. We will hear
their throbbing hearts. They have not listened to the general.
But I am sure we will reach an understanding with them.
For
the first time a Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has
demanded that along with India, Pakistan also should withdraw
troops from Kashmir and allow a plebiscite?
Geelani
was speaking in light of the UN security council resolutions.
Yes they (Pak) should also withdraw troops from Kashmir.I
hope India agrees and Pakistan follows suit. India is the
stumbling block. In 1953 Nehru and M Boghra met and agreed
for a plebiscite on April 1. But that never took place.
You
have said Musharraf and Vajpayee should meet in Srinagar.
Won’t that vindicate Indian government’s stand that Kashmir
is an integral part of India?
No,
we believe that Kashmir is disputed. And let them discuss
Kashmir in Kashmir. That is why we propose that the two dignified
guests come to Srinagar in a cool if not calm atmosphere.
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