150 dialogues have taken place sans any solution: Geelani

HYDERPORA - Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Sunday said that he is not averse to peace talks but over 150 dialogues have taken place so far without any solution.

Addressing a Human Rights seminar here, Geelani said: “We are not against dialogues. We are not against peace talks. We are also not against the fact that peace talks would solve the issue. This is a way to solve the problem but till today over 150 dialogues have taken place without any solutions.”

“The reason for that is that India on one hand says that we will have dialogue but on the other hand says that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. That is why the issue is not being solved and no solution can be found,” he added.

Geelani further said the Central government should accept the basic rights of the people and live up to its promises.

“Until you don’t accept Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed region, and unless you don’t accept the basic rights and give the people their rights and bring them in execution (of entitlements) till that time your dialogues and peace processes are just mere words and hold no meanings,” said Geelani.

The separatist leader said the recent statement given by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on a resolution of the Kashmir issue is misleading the world community.

Geelani reckoned the upcoming Panchayat elections as a way to divert the attention of the world from the main issue of Kashmir. By Sajid Sidiq (ANI)