Srinagar, Dec 8: Taking detractors of dialogue head-on, senior Hurriyat Conference (M) leader Prof Abdul Gani Bhat Saturday said there is no alternative to parleys and some elements play the role of “spoilers” in finding respectable solution to the vexed Kashmir issue.
He said the amalgam strongly endorses right to self determination (RSD) of Kashmiris, “but people who claim to be strong proponents of it (RSD) should explain the roadmap how this right would be achieved without talking.”
Addressing the crucial feedback session of members from the minority community at party headquarters here, Bhat lashed out at detractors of dialogue and Hurriyat (M)’s Pakistan visit.
“There is no alternative to dialogue. We have to talk and that’s the only alternative. Those opposing talks should tell us what the alternative is,” Bhat said. “There are some forces, who see darkness all around instead of light. They have become the spoilers in finding respectable solution to Kashmir issue.”
Without naming any separatist group, the Hurriyat (M) leader said the people who talk about RSD don’t know how to achieve it.
“We fully endorse RSD. But show us the way how you will achieve it without talking. Do you want to revive the gun by opposing talks?,” Bhat posed this question to the separatist factions opposing dialogue. He reiterated that Hurriyat (M) was “not for the sell-out but for seeking a way out and only way to achieve that was to hold talks.”
“We have to talk to India, Pakistan not as slaves but as owners. People who oppose dialogue maintain that nobody can sell Kashmir. This itself means that Kashmiri people are owners of their land. This is what we believe in,” he said. “Given these circumstances, we will keep our heads high while talking to Indian and Pakistan government.”
Bhat said more than 15 elections have been held in J&K so far but Kashmir continues to be an “unresolved issue.” “Those saying that there was no fun of going to Pakistan as that country was going to polls should bear in mind that none of the past elections have affected the nature of Kashmir issue,” he said. “How can elections in Pakistan or for that matter in India be linked with the Kashmir issue?”
He said an impression is being created that the people of Pakistan would vote keeping in view the Hurriyat (M) leaders’ visit. “This amounts to raising doubts on the judgment of the people of Pakistan by connecting Pakistan polls with Hurriyat visit,” Bhat said. He said Hurriyat (M) was the only “relevant political forum” across the globe. “Many people question us what will we bring from Pakistan. Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani knows what we will bring from that country,” said Bhat.
He thanked the members of minority community members for giving their suggestions on the Hurriyat (M’s) Pakistan visit slated for December 15. “We have to think about future. We have to keep intact communal harmony and take along the members of minority community as well. I assure you, we will talk about your welfare first, then about majority community,” he said.
He said while talking about the Kashmir solution, the present geo-political scenario should be kept in mind. “You need to keep in mind how 138 countries across the globe voted in favour of statehood to Palestine. Only nine countries voted in favour of the supreme power, United States of America,” Bhat said. He said world community has acknowledged the fact that “settling disputes is equivalent to a life saving drug”.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST