Geelani accuse Omar of taking external diktates, ready for unity

Srinagar, Feb 9 (UNI) Accusing Hurriyat Conference (Omar) of taking diktates from some external forces, breakaway Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani today said he was ready for unity if all the separatists would work for self-determination.

Addressing a public meeting after the Friday prayers at Ganderbal this afternoon, Mr Geelani said he would continue his struggle till the goal of freedom was achieved.

Referring to unity efforts between the Hurriyat factions, he said he did not want the chairmanship of the amalgam.

Indirectly referring to Mirwaiz Omar, he said he had no enmity with anyone. But, he said, '' We cannot compromise with our principles.'' He said he had accepted Mirwaiz Omar as chairman of the Hurriyat for four years before the division in the amalgam. However, those people went astray and were lost in the zigzag, he added.

Mr Geelani alleged that these people were taking external diktates, which is the main difference between him and them.

While Mirwaiz Omar had said the Kashmir issue could be resolved only through dialogue, Mr Geelani said nothing could be achieved from any process.

Mr Geelani formed his Hurriyat following his differences with the Mirwaiz group over the dialogue process with the Centre. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and Jamaat-e-Islami, which were part of the undivided Hurriyat, did not join any faction of the amalgam.

The Mirwaiz group held three rounds of talks with the Centre and visited Pakistan thrice to hold talks with the ruling and opposition leaders.

UNI