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Journalism of Courage
The Maulana Abbas Ansari-led Hurriyat Conference today said that it does not matter to them as to who leads the new government, as New Delhi is committed to the dialogue process.
‘‘Whether it is Sonia Gandhi or Manmohan Singh, the Government of India has to move ahead with the dialogue. There is no question that the talks process will be dropped,’’ Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said at a seminar held to commemorate the death anniversary of his father Mohammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone.
Stressing on the need to adapt to the changing world situation, Mirwaiz said it was imperative for all the three parties — India, Pakistan and Hurriyat — to shed their rigidity. ‘‘Not only India and Pakistan, Kashmiris have to take America, Britain and the European Union into confidence, if we want carry the dialogue process forward,’’ he said. ‘‘One should not run away from the reality that we need these forces to help in resolution of the Kashmir (problem).’’
‘‘Call it arm twisting, pressure tactics, mediation or friendly gestures, the fact is that the US, the UK and the West are interested in solving the tricky issue,’’ Mirwaiz said.
Defending the ongoing talks, Mirwaiz in an oblique reference to separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani said, people who are making noises about it should know the dialogue will eventually lead to tripartite talks.
Without naming him, Mirwaiz targeted Geelani ‘‘for sticking to the same old stance and escaping from the reality’’. ‘‘Those who want to sit back should realise the world is changing fast and adapting to it is in best interests of Kashmir. What answer do these elements have to say if I ask what strategy they have devised or what plans they have for Kashmir resolution? They should now come and join the talks.”.
Former Hurriyat chairman Prof Abdul Gani Bhat said the people of Kashmir should grab the opportunity that the dialogue offers. Unlike in the past, when the two neighbours advised on how to go about the Kashmir issue, time has now come when the Kashmiris can dictate their terms, he said.
Bhat said there was no scope for the talks getting derailed unless something extra-ordinary happens. ‘‘The continuation of the talks would endorse our choosing the right path,’’ he said.
