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Journalism of Courage
Even as the Hurriyat Conference went public with its decision to start a dialogue with New Delhi, rebel leader and hawk Syed Ali Geelani slammed the overture saying ‘‘bilateral discussions’’ between Delhi and Kashmiris would only result in the repeat of the ‘‘sell-out’’ 1975 accord — the agreement reached between Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Abdullah.
He made a strong case for the inclusion of Pakistan in talks and demanded a public admission by Delhi that Kashmir was a disputed territory. ‘‘India should talk first to Pakistan. We wouldn’t shy away from dialogue if they adopt a natural process, that is by starting to talk to Pakistan,’’ he said at Baramulla’s largest mosque.
Taking a snipe at the faction of Hurriyat Conference led by moderate cleric Molvi Abbas Ansari, Geelani said separatists with ‘‘huge support base’’ should become a part of the dialogue process and not the ones who ‘‘command no one.’’ ‘‘I am not claiming that I command the support of the whole of Kashmir. But leaders with public backing should be involved in talks at a later stage after India and Pakistan start the process,’’ he said.
He reminded the audience of the duty of guarding the sacrifices of ‘‘martyrs’’ killed in the 14-year insurgency. Geelani didn’t spare Prime Minister Vajpayee either. He also ridiculed the PM, saying: ‘‘Vajpayeeji, who participated in the polls? There was a boycott and even if some people did vote, does that mean Kashmir problem is over? It’s no argument to say we held successful elections, it a baseless and vague argument on part of Vajpayeeji.’’
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MEANWHILE; Militant trapped to surrender
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SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI: One of the holed up militants responsible for the attack next to Army’s 15 Corps HQ, who was resisting troops was arrested while trying to escape from the encounter site. The operation which Army claimed ended last evening with the killing of two militants, witnessed fresh fire between troops and a militant hiding under the debris of the BSNL building which was damaged in the encounter. Sources said a militant who was still alive and hiding in one of the buildings near the Exchange, started firing towards the troops and escaped from the building. As the area was cordoned by the Army, the militant boarded an auto. Though the driver promised help, he handed over the militant to the Army in the Cantonment. The arrested militant has been identified as Mohammad Iqbal of Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Army defended the delay in the encounter saying it was a ‘‘deliberate move’’. According to Major General Deepak Summenwar, Addl DG of Public Information, the Army used ‘‘extreme restraint’’ as heavier weapons could have led to a ‘‘mini holocaust’’. (ENS) |
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