The Hindu : National : New Delhi must take concrete steps first, says Mirwaiz

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New Delhi must take concrete steps first, says Mirwaiz

Shujaat Bukhari

Demands withdrawal of troops, release of detenus

— Photo: NISSAR AHMAD

Hurriyat Conference (moderate) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq speaks at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Friday.

SRINAGAR: Hurriyat Conference (moderate) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday virtually said “no” to quiet diplomacy, advocated by New Delhi, and reiterated that some measures need to be taken first to make the situation conducive for dialogue.

After three days of deliberations over the issue at the Hurriyat executive and parleys with the other faction of the Hurriyat led by Syed Ali Geelani and JKLF chief Yasin Malik, the Mirwaiz told a Friday congregation here that his party was not against dialogue process but it should follow certain measures on the ground.

“Whether it is quiet diplomacy, open diplomacy or secret talks it cannot succeed unless some concrete steps are taken first. A common Kashmiri should feel that New Delhi has changed its method and mindset,” he said. The Centre did not show consistency in its policy.

The Mirwaiz said: “The Prime Minister says something on August 15 and in Kashmir says a different thing while his Army chief toes a different line. If they are serious and sincere, the ground realities have to be accepted.” He reiterated the Hurriyat’s five conditions set on June 11 last year which include withdrawal of troops and release of detenus.

He said his faction was committed to agreement with the other one and others in which it was agreed not to enter into a bilateral dialogue and “no compromise on right to self determination.” The engagement had to be on a triangular pattern. “If we talk to Delhi it will be followed by our talks with Pakistan. Then India and Pakistan have also to talk.” He also made it clear that the table of dialogue was to be supported by four important parties viz Srinagar, New Delhi, Islamabad and Muzaffarabad.

“We are in process of consultation to arrive at a consensus,” he said appealing all the parties to come forward.

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