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Hurriyat faction threatens to pull out of talks

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR, FEB. 12 . Taking strong exception to the killing of five civilians in Bandipore last week, the Abbas-led Hurriyat Conference has threatened to pull out of the dialogue process with the Central Government.

The first round of talks was held with the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani.

The former Hurriyat chairman and head of Awami Action Committee, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said: ``No words are enough to condemn the killing of innocent civilians at Bandipore. It is not the only incident that has vitiated the atmosphere for fruitful dialogue. Custodial killings are continuing. Such things do not help this process at all,'' he said. ``For a purposeful dialogue we not only need sincerity but also seriousness.''

The Mirwaiz said assurances had come from the Centre that steps would be taken to make the atmosphere relaxed for the common people. ``But I think it is going in the reverse direction. If such incidents continue, we may have no option but to pull out from the talks,'' he added.

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