Militants reject Musharraf's four-point solution to Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 6 (UNI) The Muzaffarabad-based United Jehad Council, an umbrella organisation of several militant outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir, has ''regretted and rejected outright'' Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's four-point solution to the vexed issue.

In a statement here, the conglomerate of militant outfits described Gen Musharraf's new plan as ''unilateral concessions'' to India by Pakistan.

''The people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot compromise on their right to self-determination. Options such as joint control can only be acceptable if these are a stepping stone for right to self- determination,'' it added.

Firebrand leader and breakaway Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani will formally react to the proposal at a news conference here tomorrow.

A spokesman of the Geelani-led Hurriyat said a meeting of the amalgam was held here yesterday. During the meeting, Gen Musharraf's statement was discussed threadbare, he added.

The spokesman said it was decided that the Majlis-e-Shoura, the highest decision-making body of the Hurriyat Conference, will deliberate on the issue during its two-day executive meeting.

However, moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the ''concessions'' offered by Gen Musharraf would help make Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) ''more free''.

''India should respond to the flexibility shown by Pakistan and ease the sufferings of people of Jammu and Kashmir. Otherwise, the concessions by only one party to the dispute would not be of any help,'' the Mirwaiz said.

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