Hardline separatists must change outlook: Mirwaiz Umer Farooq

Hardline separatist groups should change their outlook in the efforts to find a solution to the Kashmir issue rather than professing politics of status quo which will not benefit anyone except them, moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said today.

"Well, I think they (hardline separatists) need to change their outlook," said the Mirwaiz, who is leading a seven-member delegation of moderate Hurriyat Conference group to Pakistan tomorrow for meetings with the Pakistani

leadership.

He was replying to a question on hardline separatists including Syed Ali Shah Geelani being not in favour of any visit by Kashmiri leaders to Pakistan.

Without naming Geelani, the Mirwaiz said "it's unfortunate that there was such voices. When we entered into a dialogue with New Delhi, they dubbed us as traitors and now when we are going to Pakistan we are being labelled as sellers.

"This is their (hardliners) politics of status quo which benefits only them and no one other. What should we do? If they have a solution, let them come forward and give us," he said.

The Mirwaiz said a solution to Kashmir issue was not possible overnight and their visit to Pakistan was only a beginning. "A small step in the right direction," he said.

During their meetings, the Hurriyat delegation is due to meet Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Foreign Minister Heena Rabbani Khar, Chief of PML-N Nawaz Sharief, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan besides political leadership of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

The Mirwaiz said during his meetings with Khar and PoK leadership, he would press for opening of Sharda temple at village Shardi in Attamukam area in PoK

Talking about their visit to Pakistan, the Mirwaiz said keeping in mind the bonhomie between India and Pakistan over various issues include trade, visa, people-to-people contact, it was necessary to carry on with efforts to resolve the most contentious issue of Kashmir.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Rajeev Shukla slams BJP for frequently demanding PM's resignation

Parliamentary Panel slams CBI's 'discriminatory' promotion policy

Targeting hardliners, Omar Abdullah wants Kashmiris to ignore election boycott calls

PM should clear confusion over UPA's China policy: BJP