Hurriyat seeks permanent membership of OIC

Srinagar, Sep 27 (UNI) Hurriyat Conference (moderate faction) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has sought permanent membership for the amalgam in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) as it was ''true representative'' of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

At present, the Hurriyat enjoys an observer status at the OIC.

He also expressed a desire to open offices of the Hurriyat Conferece in capitals of the 57 member-nations of the OIC.

Addressing the OIC annual coordination meeting during the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Mirwaiz appreciated the OIC for its role in ''extending persistent and unequivocal support to the just cause'' of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

''Though the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered some of the worst atrocities in the history and there was not a single home unaffected by the violence perpetrated by the occupational forces, they have not lost the will to pursue their just cause,'' the Hurriyat chairman said.

''We will continue our struggle with unwavering courage and determination in the face of tremendous adversity and we look up to you for unequivocal support.'' The Mirwaiz described the people as a principle party to the Kashmir issue, saying they must be associated with the ongoing India-Pakistan peace process for seeking a final settlement.

''Their legitimate aspirations cannot be ignored and must be accommodated in any just and durable solution to the Kashmir issue,'' he added.

The Hurriyat chairman said the people have lent full support to the composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan. ''The suspension of this process was a cause of great concern to us. We are happy that India has now decided to review its earlier decision and agreed to resume dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue.'' He expressed satisfaction over the joint statement issued by India and Pakistan after the September 17 meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in Havana on the margins of NAM Summit.

The Mirwaiz said the joint statement was a step forward in resolving the contentious Kashmir issue. It will also go a long way in improving ties between India and Pakistan and ultimately help in the resolution of the Kashmir issue, he added. ''We only hope that dialogue process between the two countries becomes purposeful and result oriented,'' he said.

The Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat Conference had also embarked on a dialogue process with India and Pakistan. ''Three rounds of talks were held with India - one with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and two with Prime Minister Singh. I have met Gen Musharraf four times. This is our attempt to involve a Kashmiri voice in finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue so that all eyes in the region and the world can see a peaceful South Asia,'' he added.

Mirwaiz Farooq said the Hurriyat discussed with the leadership of both India and Pakistan various ways and means to explore all possible options to settle the Kashmir issue to the satisfaction of all the parties concerned - India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

However he expressed concern over the alleged unabated human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. ''It is a matter of anxiety that the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir has not changed since the initiation of peace process between India and Pakistan and the dialogue between New Delhi and the Hurriyat Conference.'' The Mirwaiz said the international community in general and the OIC in particular could play a substantive role to stop these human rights violations in Kashmir.

The Hurriyat chairman hailed Gen Musharraf for ''showing great courage and statesmanship by putting forward a number of innovative and flexible proposals'' such as demilitarisation, self-governance and joint management to help in resolving the Kashmir issue.

''The people of Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control have welcomed these proposals with open arms,'' he added.

The Hurriyat Chairman had earlier addressed the OIC contact group on Jammu and Kashmir on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York on September 20.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz called on President Musharraf on Monday at Roosevelt Hotel in New York. During the 30-minute meeting, both expressed optimism about the future of India-Pakistan peace process.

The President apprised the Hurriyat chairman of his meeting with Prime Minister Singh in Havana specifically about their discussion on the Kashmir issue.

On his part, Mirwaiz briefed Gen Musharraf about the current political and human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Farooq has cut short his US visit and would return to New Delhi in next two days. Senior Hurriyat leader Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat has also left for the national capital yesterday.

UNI