Not against R-Day celebrations: Geelani

Dares ‘elected representatives’ to walk without security

Srinagar, Jan 25 (KNS): Stating that he was not against the Republic day celebrations and people of India, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Wednesday said that India has no right to celebrate the Republic Day in Jammu and Kashmir until it gives right to self determination to people of the state. Geelani was talking to the Dr R K Jain director of  Jain TV Channel in New Delhi. He was accompanied by an executive member of the Channel Anzar Bari. Sources told KNS that the Huriyat leader had gone to Jain’s house to enquire about his well being. According to sources, during two and half hour meeting with Jain, Geelani made it clear that he was never opposed to dialogue process but questioned the seriousness of the central government in engaging the separatists in the process.
“We had several rounds of talks with Indian government but what was the result,” Geelani asked.
While blaming the Centre for showing ‘non seriousness’ in the dialogue process, Geelani according to the sources made it clear that GoI must show flexibility and avoid the confrontation.
“We are not against dialogue but India has never been serious in its efforts,” he added.
Reacting to the suggestion of holding dialogue with fundamentalist Hindu groups and political parties, Geelani according to the sources told Jain, “Our leaders (Hurriyat-M) had talked to L K Advani and that too did not make any difference.”
He is believed to have told Jain that the human rights violations in the state have increased manifold during the last so many years. “They (troops) killed a youth seeking power supply in Boniyar and then another youth was shot dead at Sopore,” Geelani according to sources told Jain.
He said that both India and Pakistan have been spending most of their budgets on defense and that is only because of Kashmir dispute. “Kashmir dispute is born out of the division of united India,” Geelani told Jain asserting that the issue can’t be buried under the carpet.
When asked why separatists weren’t ready to accept the elected Government in the state, Geelani questioned, “Pull out the army and tell them to walk without security and then see their strength.”
Meanwhile Geelani confirmed to KNS about his meeting with Dr Jain. He said that he is meeting with some diplomats and ambassadors of different countries in New Delhi in the coming days.