KL Report

SRINAGAR

Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani who met Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit in New Delhi on Tuesday appreciated Pakistan’s stand–preferring talks with the separatists rather than to hold foreign secretary level talks on August 25.

While talking to KNS, Hurriyat (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said the meeting between Geelani and Basit lasted for over one and a half hours during which Kashmir’s political and human rights situation was discussed threadbare.

“Geelani Sahib appreciated the stand taken by Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharief Sahib. Mr Basit was told to convey heartiest appreciations to Nawaz Sharief Sahib for choosing Kashmiri leadership over the Indian counterparts for talks,” Akbar said.

Geelani according to Hurriyat (G) spokesman has said that by choosing Kashmiri separatists for talks, Pakistan has acknowledged Kashmiris as the prime stake holders in Kashmir dispute. “Geelani also hoped that government of India should also acknowledge and realize the urgency for resolution of Kashmir issue,” Akbar informed.

Geelani said that by cancelling the foreign secretary level talks India has proven that it does not want Kashmir issue to be resolved through peaceful means. “The diplomatic break off is extremely unfortunate for the people of entire sub continent. India’s rigid approach has disappointed people of Kashmir and all those who want Kashmir to be resolved peacefully,” Geelani reportedly told Basit.

The Hurriyat (G) chairman has informed Basit that Kashmiris freedom movement is getting strengthened by each passing day and the people of Kashmir especially its youth are not ready for any compromise on the Kashmir issue. “India has reacted in a childish manner and the decision doesn’t hold any importance.

According to Akbar, during the meeting, Basit said Pakistan government was surprised over the government of India’s decision to cancel the foreign secretary level talks. “We can understand that government of India has taken this decision due domestic political compulsions. But while cancelling this secretary level meeting, government of India has disrespected the diplomatic protocols. Kashmir is an internationally recognized issue and this ground reality cannot be changed at any cost,” Basit has told Geelani, according to Akbar.

The Pakistan high commissioner has said that meeting with separatists at Pakistan high commission was a routine during Dr Manmohan Singh and Mr. Vajpayee’s period. “However, cancelling foreign secretary level talks on this pretext is highly unfortunate,” Basit has added.  Geelani however stressed on Pakistan not to pursue any meetings with India unless the government of India realizes its need, Akbar said. Geelani was accompanied by Pir Saifullah and Ayaz Akbar. The Modi led government had on Monday called off the August 25 Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan saying the meeting between separatists and Pakistan high commission was unacceptable.

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