Shangus (Islamabad), Feb 19: Ahead of proposed talks between New Delhi and Islamabad on February 25, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Friday said that if Kashmir-issue had to be settled through talks, involvement of Kashmiri leadership was a must.
 “We aren’t against dialogue institution. But we want to convey it to both India and Pakistan that Kashmiris are basic party to the dispute and without their involvement no solution will come up,” Malik said while addressing a   gathering here in south Kashmir.
 “More than one lakh Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives. We have right to ask both India and Pakistan as what they are talking. India and Pakistan should not announce the future of Kashmiris on radio and TV,” he added.
 The JKLF chairman said that after 2008’s peaceful “revolution,” international community openly came in support of Kashmiris. “From US president Barrack Obama to European leaders, and Organisation of Islamic Conference everybody is of the opinion that Kashmir needs to be resolved. But we as a nation have to show the steadfastness to achieve freedom,” he said.
 Asking people not to get carried away by the “hollow promises” of mainstream political parties Malik said, “Kashmir conflict has already consumed three generations. Our children inherit Kashmir dispute at the time of their birth. If we have to save our fourth generation from the disaster, we should remain committed to our cause. Don’t get swayed away by the false promises of mainstream parties,” he said adding, “Freedom movement has entered into crucial phase and need of the hour is to safeguard the sacrifices of martyrs.”
 He urged Kashmiris to stand on their feet. “Kashmir was spiritual land. Now we have vandalised our forests, agriculture and wetlands. We are ourselves ruining our future and converting Kashmir into a desert. Please save your agriculture land and forests for future generations,” he appealed.
 The JKLF vice-chairman, Advocate Bashir Ahmad Bhat said, “We convey it to India that they shouldn’t feel that Kashmiris are tired. We will take the movement to its logical conclusion.”
 “Remember the promises you made with those whom you buried in hundreds of martyrs graveyards across the state,” he added.
 Senior JKLF leaders, Showkat Ahmad Bakshi, Noor Muhammad Kalwal and Sheikh Abdur Rashid were also accompanying Malik
 Earlier police had laid nakas at different places on Srinagar-Jammu highway to stop Malik from reaching Shangus. However, he gave slip to police and reached the venue.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST