Kashmiri separatist attend Pak High Commissioner's Iftar party

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) Several Kashmiri separatists, including JKLF Chief Yaseen Malik and Hurriyat leaders Abdul Ghani Bhat and Moulvi Abbas Ansari, tonight attended the Iftar party hosted by Pakistan High Commissioner to India Aziz Ahmed Khan.

The party, held at the Pakistan High Commission in Chanakyapuri, was boycotted by pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Mr Geelani turned down the invitation due to serious differences with the Pakistani establishment which he says has ''softened'' its stand on the Kashmir issue.

He had also refused to visit Pakistan aboard the Caravan-e-Aman (Caravan of Peace) cross border bus which was launched last year.

Among others who attended today's function were National Commission for Minorities Chairperson Hamid Ansari, former chief justice of India A M Ahmedi and leaders of the Jamait Islami and Jamait-ul-Ulema-e-Hind.

While Mr Malik was in Delhi to seek clemency for December 13 Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru and drum up public support, Mr Bhat has been camping in the national capital for some time.

UNI NR LS DB2034