Geelani rejects ''bilateral talks'' on Kashmir

Srinagar, July 1 (UNI) Rejecting bilateral talks on the Kashmir issue, Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani today said only implementation of the United Nations resolutions or tripartite talks would help to find a lasting solution to this vexed issue.

''We are not against negotiations, but these should be result oriented and the government of India should accept the disputed nature of Kashmir, release all detenues unconditionally, revoke all special powers acts for security forces and withdraw troops'', Mr Geelani said at the historic Jamia Masjid this afternoon.

Mr Geelani gave a slip to police and reached the Jamia masjid where thousands of people had gathered on a call given by Action Committee Against Land Transfer (ACALT). However, almost all other separatist leaders were put under house arrest.

The Hurriyat chairman said bilateral talks on Kashmir in the past had failed to make any breakthrough.

He said Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq held several rounds of talks with the Centre since 2004 without any result. India and Pakistan also held talks on Kashmir since 1947 but failed to break the ice, he said.

Mr Geelani said implementation of the UN resolution or holding tripartite talks would help to find a solution, acceptable to all.

He appealed to the people to boycott the general assembly elections and pro-India politicians and parties.

UNI BAS ASM RR AS1712