Pak for alliance of separatists,mainstream parties: Bhat

Bhats 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 Pakistan8217;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.

Bhat,however,refused to identify a new common minimum solution for Kashmir. It is a long process. I dont want to jump the process, he said. A new demand will evolve from working with various political actors and building a consensus.

Meanwhile,some senior leaders in the moderate faction of Hurriyat,which Bhat represents,claimed his suggestion has taken them by surprise. I certainly dont know what is happening. Many of us have not been taken on board, Hurriyat8217;s provincial president Naeem Khan said.

Omar welcomes Bhat statement

JAMMU: Favouring the Centre8217;s plan of quiet diplomacy to resolve the Kashmir imbroglio,Jamp;K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday welcomed the intensions of some separatist leaders to participate in the dialogue process to discuss Kashmir- centric issues across the table.Perhaps there is a change in their thinking, Omar said on Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Bhats statement about working with mainstream political parties to address Kashmir issues across the table. ENS