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

Srinagar, Jan 15: Moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman MirwaizUmar Farooq today said the grenade attack on his residence was carriedout by ''frustrated elements'', but asserted that he and other amalgamleaders would not be ''cowed down'' to abandon their ''mission'' offinding an amicable solution to the Kashmir issue.

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

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

Mirwaiz Farooq said the Hurriyat (moderate) leaders would not becowed down by such attacks, asserting that they would continue withtheir ''mission'' and endeavours of finding an amicable and lastingsolution to the vexed Kashmir issue according to the wishes andaspirations of the people of the state.

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, breakaway Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali ShahGeelani has called for a general strike on January 17 in protestagainst the visit of the Mirwaiz and other moderate separatist leadersto Pakistan.

UNI