PM doublespeak on talk terms irks Hizb

PM doublespeak on talk terms irks Hizb
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Srinagar, Aug 7: In a new turn to the ongoing ceasefire talks, the Hizbul Mujahideen today accused Prime Minister Vajpayee of changing his stand and asked the Central Government to clarify that it wants to have an unconditional dialogue with the organisation. However, the Prime Minister on his part said in New Delhi that no conditions have been attached and said if certain issues which are outside the Constitutional framework arise during the parleys, the Government would not be unwilling to press on with the exercise.

Meanwhile in a statement, Hizbul's chief commander Abdul Majid Dar said Vajpayee's statement in New Delhi on Sunday that the talks on the Jammu and Kashmir issue with Hizbul Mujahideen would have to be held within the framework of the Constitution "has dashed all the hopes generated among the common people that dark days are numbered as the Hizb announced ceasefire and the government responded positively''

Dar, who made the surprise announcement of a unilateral ceasefire on July 24, said the fresh statement from the Government was all the more necessary as the head of the government "changed" his stand within four days of bringing Hizbul Mujahideen at crossroads -- whether to stand by its promise (of ceasefire) or not.

Dar termed the statement of the Prime Minister as a ``rude joke'' saying the Hizbul had made a ``sincere offer'' of ceasefire.

"In view of confusing statements made frequently, it becomes imperative that the Government of India make a fresh unequivocal and categorical statement that it wants to have unconditional dialogue with Hizbul Mujahideen", Dar said, adding the fresh statement will facilitate HM to take a decision.

He said ``under these circumstances, the supreme command council of the outfit -- the highest decision-making body of the outfit -- is the sole authority whether to continue or withdraw the ceasefire. The responsibility for the consequences will rest with the Government of India''.

Describing the ceasefire announcement as a bold step, Dar in his three-page statement in Urdu said the decision was the outcome of a prolonged discussion''. It was also not a decision taken out of sentiments but taken after keeping in mind several hard facts''.

``It was not the result of tiredness or international pressure'', he said, adding the decision was taken to respect the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dar said the Hizbul took the ceasefire decision keeping in mind the miseries of the Kashmiris for the last one decade and the fact that a sizeable number of them were forced to leave their homes and lead a life of migrants in Jammu and New Delhi and that many of them were facing untold miseries in camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

He said Hizbul made it clear to world powers that it did not want to be seen as a hurdle in the peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue.

While taking this decision, Dar said, we were fully aware that the ceasefire will not be welcomed and received with open arms but will be the target of opposition from several individuals and groups, from both sides of the line of control.

Earlier in New Delhi, Prime Minister Vajpayee today said no conditions have been attached to talks with Hizbul Mujahideen and said if certain issues which are outside constitutional framework arise during parleys, the Government would not be unwilling to press on with the exercise.

"We will talk within the Constitutional framework. But while we talk if certain issues arise outside that framework as has been happening in the case of Nagaland, would we stop talking? No conditions have been attached to the talks," Vajpayee told the Rajya Sabha.

"Whether talks are held within the Constitution or outside, it is not so important," he said.

The Prime Minister said the Government had options whether or not to accept any solution that goes against the Constitution and asserted that talks should be held.

On the talks, Vajpayee said, "I do not know what shape it will take but we are prepared on our part to push forward the initiative of peace. If other side does not accept it, then we would consider the next step."

Declaring that none should get alarmed over the issue of humanitarian approach to the talks, he said, "if there is terrorism it can be tackled only with humanitarianism.

Vajpayee was replying to clarifications on the statement he made in the Rajya Sabha regarding the spate of terrorists attacks in Jammu and Kashmir killing 95 people including several Amarnath yatris recently.

Vajpayee said the Indian Constitution embodied the highest principles and was the greatest document of humanitariasm. ``Problems can be solved on the basis of it. But the foremost consideration is that violence must end in Kashmir and bloodshed must stop.''

He attacked the opposition for attempting to politicise the issue of recent killings and asked them that in a crisis like a war all should work unitedly.

Congress members said there were contradictions between statements by Vajpayee and Fernandes on security lapses in Kashmir killings.

As Congress members were unrelenting on their demand for a judicial probe, the House was plunged into a turmoil leading to abrupt adjournment at 1530 hrs.