Geelani to meet Omar to discuss unity among separatists

Srinagar, Jun 17 (UNI) Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani will meet chairman of the moderate faction of the HC Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq on Thursday.

The decision to this effect was taken by the Majlis Shoura, the highest decision-making body of the breakaway HC, here this afternoon, Hurriyat spokesman Aiyaz Akbar told UNI.

He said the Shoura members discussed the unity offer of the Mirwaiz during the meeting held at its Rajbagh headquarters today and it was decided that Mr Geelani will meet Mr Omar at the former's Hyderpora residence on June 19.

In reply to a question, he said everything will be discussed during the Geelani-Omar meeting. However, discussion on transfer of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) by the government will be their main agenda of the talks.

Mr Aiyaz said the offer for talks was received through Senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah which was accepted by the Shoura.

This will be for the first time the two leaders are meeting for unity in the Hurriyat factions, since Mr Geelani formed the breakaway faction following differences with some of the constituents of the amalgam immediately after 2002 elections.

Yesterday, the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference constituted a committee comprising Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan and Dr Ghulam Mohammad Hubbi to meet leaders of all pro-movement organisations to chalk out a joint strategy against transfer of forest land to SASB.

Transfer of 800 kanals of forest land to SASB was criticised by all separatists, religious and militant organisations.

UNI BAS HS NS1720