''We know attackers, but won't be cowed down,'' says Mirwaiz

Srinagar, Jan 15 (UNI) Moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today said the grenade attack on his residence was carried out by ''frustrated elements'', but asserted that he and other amalgam leaders would not be ''cowed down'' to abandon their ''mission'' of finding an amicable solution to the Kashmir issue.

''We know the attackers...They are the frustrated elements who have been rejected outright by the people of Jammu and Kashmir,'' the Mirwaiz told UNI by telephone from Jammu.

However, he refused to identify the attackers, saying they were those ''elements'' who have lost the complete support on the ground in the entire state.

Mirwaiz Farooq said the Hurriyat (moderate) leaders would not be cowed down by such attacks, asserting that they would continue with their ''mission'' and endeavours of finding an amicable and lasting solution to the vexed Kashmir issue according to the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state.

''We will not abandon our mission...Such attacks will not deter us from moving forward in the ongoing dialogue process aimed at restoring permanent peace in Jammu and Kashmir,'' he added.

The Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat Conference had never felt threatened by such attacks on its leaders and would continue to hold talks with India and Pakistan for resolving the Kashmir issue.

The Mirwaiz's residence at posh Nigeen near the historic Hazratbal shrine on the city outskirts was this morning attacked by some unidentified persons when they fired a rifle grenade toward the house causing damage to some window panes.

Mirwaiz Farooq and other senior moderate Hurriyat leaders, including Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat and Nayeem Ahmed Khan, are at present in Jammu, addressing public meetings and holding talks with cross-section of people ahead of their Pakistan visit.

A three-member Hurriyat delegation, comprising the Mirwaiz, Prof Bhat and Bilal Ghani Lone, would leave for Pakistan on a five-day visit on January 18.

Meanwhile, breakaway Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for a general strike on January 17 in protest against the visit of the Mirwaiz and other moderate separatist leaders to Pakistan.

UNI