Present system unfit to solve Kashmir: Mirwaiz

Srinagar: Rejecting a solution within the present framework, moderate Hurriyat Conference on Thursday called for a comprehensive dialogue between the three parties to the Kashmir issue to arrive at a negotiated settlement.

"Time has come for India, Pakistan and representatives of Jammu and Kashmir to thrash out a negotiated settlement to Kashmir issue," Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq told reporters here.

He, however, said a solution to Kashmir issue within the present frame work was not possible and the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir was non-negotiable.

Present system unfit to solve Kashmir: Mirwaiz

The Mirwaiz was responding to a question about the statement of veteran journalist and Centre's interlocutor on Kashmir Dilip Padgaonkar in which he had reportedly said PDP's self-rule formula could be one of the solutions to

Kashmir issue.

About the apparent change in China's policy over stapled visa for residents of Jammu and Kashmir, he claimed that it did not affect the "disputed" nature of the state.

"Whatever the issues between India and China, the international community is keen on impressing New Delhi and Islamabad to engage in resolving the Kashmir issue," he said.

The Hurriyat chairman also claimed that deceased American representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke was in touch with Kashmiri leadership. He, however, refused to elaborate on the issue.

He expressed hope that the new envoy, replacing Holbrooke, would continue the work.

"In fact, we feel that there is a need for appointing a special representative for Kashmir so that the issue is resolved expeditiously," he said.

In response to another question, the Mirwaiz said there was nothing to be surprised in the police claim that detained separatist leader Massarat Alam had taken money to fuel unrest in the Valley.

"JK police has issued many statements over the past 20 years and everyone knows where its reputation stands. It is only to malign the people's movement," he said.

He also said the government and its agencies were trying very hard to portray the mass upheaval as a struggle for monetary gains which was evident from the job packages announced by it.

"The government should come out of the denial mode and accept that none of the over 100 persons killed this summer was out on streets for monetary gains," he said.

The Mirwaiz said he will offer Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid tomorrow even if the government imposes curbs on his movement. The government cannot stop me from following my religion. We will offer prayers," he said.

(Courtesy : http://ibnlive.in.com, 17 Dec. 2010)