London, Feb 19: The former secretary-general of the  UK-based Jammu Kashmir Liberation League has welcomed the declaration of independence by Kosovo and underlined the need for a unified stand on the on-going movement in Jammu and Kashmir. 
 “The independence of Kosovo is an encouraging event for the on going freedom struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.  The political and militant leadership should take a unified stand to attain their right to self determination,” Dr Misfar Hassan, said in a statement while felicitating the people of Kosovo on their day of independence.
 Dr Hassan said the sacrifices by the people of Kosovo and recognition of their right to decide their future was an encouraging sign for all the nations fighting for their rights throughout the world.  He paid tributes to the political and militant leadership of Kosovo for leading their people to their destiny.  He wished the people of Kosovo a prosperous future.
 On this occasion, Dr Hassan asked the political and the militant leadership of Jammu Kashmir “to look into our own mistakes as to why, in spite of having given huge sacrifices, we have not been able to gain our objectives.”
 Although the people of Jammu Kashmir have laid down their lives in large numbers, even hundreds of children have sacrificed their lives, yet the goal seems to be elusive.
 Dr Hassan said the chief reason was that the people of Jammu Kashmir did not have a unified stand over the issue of their right of self determination.  Many so-called leaders working for “others” are creating un-necessary confusion on non issues while many others only raise slogans.
 “It is high time for the entire leadership of the state to resolve their differences and work in harmony towards achievement of a broader national objective.  For this, every political leader would have to sacrifice his own and personal interests,” he said.

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