Former Hurriyat chairman Prof Abdul Gani Bhat on Monday said his proposal of an alliance between separatists and mainstream political parties to move forward towards a resolution of the Kashmir dispute is supported by Pakistan.

“Pakistan wants all Kashmiris to put their heads together,” Bhat told The Indian Express. “This includes PDP, National Conference, JKLF and even Geelani”.

Bhat’s speech at a seminar organised by the Centre of Studies for Developing Studies in Delhi on November 7 in which he suggested the separatist-mainstream alliance had created a furore in Pakistan and in the separatist ranks with hardline as well as some moderate separatist leaders gunning for his head. Bhat, however, has stuck to his guns, saying his suggestion is an idea whose time has come.

Bhat said those speaking against his proposed “broader political alliance in Kashmir” had no idea of “how situation has changed”. He said Hurriyat alone would be unable to make much difference (in the resolution of the dispute) as “the political power and even support base” in Kashmir had “diffused” over the years.

“Pakistan itself has invited and extended hospitality to PDP and NC leaders. So, they (PDP and NC) need to be engaged if we have to contribute effectively to a solution of Kashmir dispute,” Bhat said.

Earlier in the day, Bhat and senior Hurriyat leader Bilal Gani Lone met Pakistani High Commissioner Shahid Malik. “We had a marathon session. We discussed almost everything with reference to dialogue and the resolution of Kashmir dispute and Pakistan's role in this,” Bhat said about the meeting. “We also talked about the strategies to be worked out. Pakistan wants all Kashmiri political parties to come on board and work together.”

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