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  India   Separatists reject PM’s ‘Constitution solution’

Separatists reject PM’s ‘Constitution solution’

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : Aug 23, 2016, 12:23 am IST
Updated : Aug 23, 2016, 12:23 am IST

Kashmiri separatist parties and leaders have rejected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s, statement that the government is ready to talk to all stakeholders to find a solution to the problem in Kashmir w

Justin Rose exults after his victory. (Photo: AP)
 Justin Rose exults after his victory. (Photo: AP)

Kashmiri separatist parties and leaders have rejected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s, statement that the government is ready to talk to all stakeholders to find a solution to the problem in Kashmir within the ambit of Indian Constitution.

Mr. Modi had early Monday, after meeting a delegation of the leaders of Kashmir’s mainstream parties, expressed “deep pain” and concern over the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley and emphasised on the need for dialogue to find a lasting solution within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

But various separatist parties including an alliance which is spearheading the ongoing agitation said that they find nothing new in Mr. Modi’s statement. They reiterated that they were not averse to seeking an amicable solution to the problem through dialogue but said they should be expected to sit across the negotiating table only if and when New Delhi openly accepts Kashmir is a dispute and agrees to hold talks involving the people of Kashmir which they insist are the principal party to the dispute and Pakistan as well.

They also said that the tripartite talks should be aimed at finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem as per the wishes and aspiration of its 15 million people living on the both sides of the Line of Control and beyond and keeping in view the historical background of the Kashmir dispute.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani, one of the three key separatist leaders who have formed an issue-based loose alliance and which is issuing protest calendars since the killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani on July 8 said that, however, given India’s track-record on Kashmir he strongly feels that the lasting solution to the Kashmir problem was possible only through acceding the right to self-determination of its people. “India must shun state violence and uphold International law, respect and adhere to UN Charter and especially the UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir,” he said adding “By fulfilling its promises and obligations towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir, we understand the universal principle of right to self-determination is the only road through which peace can be achieved in J&K.”

Jailed separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah rejecting the Prime Minister’s statement said that J&K is not a part of India and that its people demand resolution of the Kashmir dispute as per UN resolutions or through tripartite dialogue. “India has usurped the territory of J&K and is controlling it with military might besides it is denying the people of this State their right to decide their political future,” he said. He added, “There are no takers here for the talk of resolving this issue within the framework of Indian Constitution.”

Sayeda Aasiya Andrabi, the chief of all-women Dukhtaran-e-Millat (daughters of the faith), said, “Modi told them (opposition leaders from J&K) that the government is ready to talk to anyone under the Indian Constitution. It is like rubbing salt to our wounds. If we had to seek the resolution of Kashmir issue under Indian Constitution, then what was the need to give countless sacrifices ” She added, “The people of Kashmir reject such proposal as we consider India as an aggressor and occupation and we will continue the struggle until India accepts Kashmir as a disputed territory.”

Independent MLA and leader of regional Awami Itehad Party, Eng. Sheikh Abdur Rashid said there is nothing new in the offer except “insulting further the sacrifices of Kashmiris”. He said in a statement that if the Government of India still believes that giving right to self-determination to Kashmiris is something against the Constitution of India, then let the Parliament amend the constitution and incorporate right to self-determination for people of J&K within the Constitution of India, so that the solution that both the parties agree to, coincides with the Constitution of India.” (sic)

Islamic Political Party-JK leader Muhammad Yousuf Naqash said, “New Delhi by issuing such rhetoric statements is wasting time and energy as the solution to Kashmir issue is simple as demanded by its people – by implementing the UN resolutions or holding a dialogue between all the stakeholders i.e. Pakistan, India, and Jammu Kashmir’s genuine leadership who represent the wishes and aspirations of people.,”

Location: India, Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar