Stalled peace process has no impact on Kashmir

Srinagar, Jul 24: Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani today said even if the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan is stalled, it will hardly make any difference to the ground reality in Kashmir.

The peace process had changed little on the ground in Kashmir and its discontinuation would hardly make any difference for the people who are facing ''rights violations from the Indian security forces'', Mr Geelani said.

He alleged custodial disappearances, fake encounters and detention of innocent continued even after the two countries took a number of Confidence Building Measures (CBM) to improve their relations.

However, these CBMs failed to bring any relief to the people of the state, particularly in Kashmir, he claimed.

The firebrand leader said unless India shows some ''flexibility'' nothing could be achieved from the process.

Expressing his concern over the plight of Kashmiri detenues in different jails in and outside the state, Mr Geelani said the announcement made by the Indian leaders and state government about the release of Kashmiri prisoners proved a ''hoax.'' Thousands of innocent Kashmiri youths are still languishing in different jails without any trial for years.

Mr Geelani also expressed concern over the condition of senior separatist leader Sheikh Abdulah Aziz who is ill in the jail.

UNI

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