I will prefer death to changing my stand on Kashmir: Geelani

Srinagar, Mar 16 (UNI) Breakaway Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has said that he would prefer ''death'' to committing''treason'' by compromising his stand vis-a-vis resolution of the Kashmir issue.

''I will never compromise with my stand on Kashmir even if I have to sacrifice my life,'' Mr Geelani told a public meeting at Goshbugh, Pattan in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

He claimed that the prevailing political situation could not force him to become a ''traitor'' and change his stand vis-a-vis resolution of the Kashmir issue.

''I would rather prefer death to treason,'' the hard-liner said.

He said the ''hollow'' slogans of peace cannot restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

''The National Conference, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress besides all those who till yesterday claimed to be affiliated with the freedom movement are fooling the people of the state with their slogans of peace,'' the firebrand leader said.

Mr Geelani said nobody would be allowed to make a sell-out of the sacrifices made by the people of the state.

UNI AG YSS VD RK1455