Geelani expels Inquilabi for provocative statement

Srinagar, Jan 12 (UNI) Apparently angered by his statement, breakaway Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has expelled Mahaaz-e-Azadi chief and senior separatist leader Azam Inquilabi from the membership of the amalgam.

The decision to expel Mr Inquilabi was taken unanimously at a crucial meeting of the Majlis-e-Shoura, the highest decision-making and the consultative body of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference.

''Mr Inquilabi has breached the discipline and violated the Hurriyat constitution...None of his statements should any longer be attributed to the Hurriyat Conference,'' Mr Geelani said after the meeting which was held on his return here from Delhi last evening.

He said though Mr Inquilabi had parted ways with the Hurriyat Conference about four months ago, he was formally expelled now.

Addressing a news conference here on January 10, Mr Inquilabi had said militant groups such as the banned Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammad favoured the existence of the Line of Control (LoC) so that these could continue with their activities in Kashmir.

He urged India and Pakistan to take steps to resolve the Kashmir issue on the basis of the right of self-determination if the two countries want militant organisations with international agenda such as the Jaish and the Lashkar to wind up in the Valley.

''It will be an extremely bad day for militant groups such as the Jaish and the Lashkar when India and Pakistan agree to demolish the LoC,'' Mr Inquilabi had said.

On the contrary, he said United Jehad Council chairman and Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin had a limited political agenda, envisaging a complete troop withdrawal by India and Pakistan and giving the two parts of Jammu and Kashmir a chance to re-unite.

Mr Inquilabi said his party's stand was similar to that of the Hurriyat Conference. Both the parties want that a climate be created for ascertaining the will of the people through a democratic process after the demolition of the LoC, he added.

Mr Inquilabi said the ongoing dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue was in its last stages.

''What is needed is that India and Pakistan should erase the LoC after relinquishing the parts of Jammu and Kashmir under their control and allow the people to decide their own future,'' he added.

Mr Inquilabi said though Mr Geelani was his mentor, he was his master in planning.

He also lavished praise on moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, saying at least he talked in favour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir during his overseas visits.

UNI