Srinagar, July 14: Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani Saturday launched a scathing attack on ruling National Conference saying, “Its leaders have been power hungry since its inception.”
“The NC founder late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in 1947 endorsed the so-called instrument of accession signed by then Maharja Hari Singh for the sake of power. Sheikh Abdullah at that point of time was a popular leader. Had he given it a thought and opposed the move Kashmir could have been resolved in 1947 itself. It would not have become an issue between India and Pakistan. He preferred power over people,” Geelani told Greater Kashmir.
Referring to massacre of Muslims in Jammu in 1947, Geelani said, “Despite 5 lakh Muslims being killed in Jammu, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, continued to remain Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Had he not been power hungry he would have resigned but killing of 5 lakh Muslims failed to move him.”
Geelani said that when late Abdullah was dethroned in 1953 and was jailed, he changed his stand. “He started claiming that Kashmir is a dispute and it needs to be resolved. For 22-years people fought for the right to self determination and rendered invaluable sacrifices. However, after he (Sheikh Abdullah) was released from Jail he described the struggle of people as political waywardness. He again grabbed power and became the Chief Minister.”
 “When Sheikh Abdullah was in jail he used to call Congress men as gandi nali key kiday (pack of dirty worms). After coming out he joined hands with them and came into power. He had created so much hatred for people who were affiliated with Congress that if they (Congress activists) used to pray in Masjid people used to wash it.”
“National Conference always traded interests of Kashmiris for the sake of power and history stands testimony to it,” he said.
Geelani mocked at the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for taking a dig at him. “Omar is following the dictation of New Delhi.”
Referring to Omar Abdullah’s recent statement that Geelani is against the return of Kashmiri Pandits, he said, “We have always maintained that Kashmiri Pandits are welcome but we have been saying that they should stay with their Muslim brethren. We are against the division of the Valley and making a separate zone for them.”

Lastupdate on : Sat, 14 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 14 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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