Solution within Constitution unacceptable: Hurriyat

Reacting to Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh’s remarks that Kashmir problem will be sorted out within the framework of Indian Constitution, separatist groups Friday said it was unacceptable to them.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani said, “This is unacceptable after 63 years of struggle. Then our struggle goes in vain. Kashmiris have rendered countless sacrifices in the past six decades for right to self-determination, which was promised by Indian leadership and United Nations. The other alternative to right to self-determination is tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and true representative of Kashmiris in any third country and then the issue should be resolved in its historical perspective.”

He said bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan has failed to resolve the issue.

Hurriyat Conference (M) acting chairman, Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat said that no condition should be attached to the dialogue for the resolution of Kashmir issue.

“While seeking settlement of the issue which poses a potential threat to peace in South Asia, we should never talk in terms of conditionality. There is no alternative to talks. However, we need to understand that in talks the parties will have to demonstrate a sense of accommodation and accommodation will require flexibility,” he said.

Bhat further said that no resolution formula between India and Pakistan can work unless Kashmiris are involved.

“The Prime Minister’s reference to talks with Pakistan is a healthy development. We support talks between India and Pakistan, particularly with reference to the problem of Kashmir. But there should be no mistake that unless the leaders who represent the sentiment rooted deep into the soul of Kashmir are engaged in dialogue unconditionally, no arrangement between India-Kashmir or India-Pakistan can work. India and Pakistan are parties to dispute, but Kashmiris are the principal party,” he said.