Geelani open to Govt’s call

Even as Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Centre’s interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir N.N. Vohra briefed the PM on the next round of talks...

Even as Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Centre’s interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir N.N. Vohra briefed the PM on the next round of talks with the Hurriyat Conference today, separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani expressed his willingness to join the dialogue process.

‘‘If New Delhi sends an invitation, we will discuss it in our Majlis Shoora (highest decision-making central advisory panel) and decide whether to participate or not,’’ Geelani said. ‘‘Ours is a democratic party and I can’t take a decision alone. I need to consult the members,’’ he added.

alt="" width="1px" height="1px" style="display:none;">

The shift in Geelani’s stance comes days before Vohra is expected to visit Kashmir. Sources say Vohra and Patil met the PM to check on his convenience, before sending word to the Hurriyat leaders. They also briefed PM Manmohan Singh about yesterday’s meeting on J-K security.

Story continues below this ad

The Hurriyat leaders have expressed a desire to meet Singh, and there are indications that the PM will meet them, even if for a courtesy call. And it is surprising that Geelani has not laid down any conditions for taking part in the talks this time.

	Key to Kashmir issue in Indo-Pak talks: Abdullah

			• SRINAGAR: Asserting that the only way to resolve the Kashmir issue was through sustained Indo-Pak talks, the Opposition National Conference on Tuesday said the party was prepared for any kind of sacrifice to take the talks forward. ‘‘The NC has been in favour of Indo-Pak talks for an everlasting solution to the Kashmir issue and the party is prepared for any sacrifice to take the ongoing dialogue to its logical conclusion,’’ former CM and NC leader Farooq Abdullah said. — PTI

Earlier, Geelani had stayed away when the Maulana Abbas Ansari-led Hurriyat Conference had held two rounds of talks with the NDA government. The JKLF chairman, People League chief Sheikh Aziz and Democratic Freedom Party head Shabir Shah had also not attended the meetings.

Today, Geelani said it was imperative that some confidence-building measures — like release of detenues, revocation of Disturbed Area Act, end to human rights violations and removal of troops from residential areas — be undertaken for the success of the talks. ‘‘Kashmiris are peace-loving people and believe only dialogue can solve issues,’’ he said. ‘‘If India and Pakistan restart talks and keep Kashmir as a core issue, I am sure the talks will gain momentum. We will monitor Indo-Pak talks too.’’

‘‘But if Natwar Singh refers to the Simla agreement or nukes, then the process is going nowhere,’’ he added. Taking a dig at the Ansari-led Hurriyat, Geelani said the present talks will only lead to agreements akin to the 1975 Indira Gandhi-Sheikh Abdullah accord. Criticising Ram Jethmalani, Geelani said the people of J-K do not crave for roads, employment, economic package or railways but for the right to self determination. ‘‘Thirteen million people from the state and Azad Kashmir favour resolution of the Kashmir issue,’’ he said.