Srinagar, Sep 5:  Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Liberation Party Chairman, Hashim Quereshi on Wednesday said people of Kashmir have always stood for struggle but that problem was at the leadership level.
 “Kashmiris have been fighting against foreign rule for four hundred years. But they were never cowed down by the rulers. Sometimes 10, 15 people kept the movement alive. But problem has been with the leadership,” Quereshi said while releasing his book, Afshai Haq at Hotel Ahdoos here.
 Quereshi said that there was need for introspection at the leadership level. “Five to ten people form an organization whether they are pro-Pakistan or pro-independent parties. There is not unity even between pro-freedom parties and pro-Pakistan parties. They are also divided,” Quershi said.
 Quereshi said that he was a staunch supporter of Pakistan before meeting JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat who “made me understand that we cannot demand India’s expulsion and accept Pakistan.”
  “Our cause will become weak in the eyes of international community,” Quereshi said while quoting the JKLF founder.
 Senior Hurriyat (M) leader, Moulana Abass Ansari said that unity was prerequisite for success of struggle. “Unity is important. If we will unite, success will come automatically,” he said.
 Ansari said that lakhs of Muslims who migrated are not respected in Pakistan as they are “still considered as Muhajirs.”
 Ex-Secretary Cultural Academy, Zaffar Manhas said that from 1947 “various agencies have tried to curb the freedom of speech.”  “All the players are responsible for this,” he added.
 While praising Quereshi, Manhas said: “Quereshi was always a straight forward person.  He has written against the burning of bridges and schools in '90s.”
 Afshai Haq is a compilation of articles written by the author over the years.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 5 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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