The Hindu : National : Kashmir women's group backs Geelani's stand

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 30, 2005

National

National

Kashmir women's group backs Geelani's stand

Shujaat Bukhari

``Pakistan's proposal will only strengthen India's rule''

— Photo: Nissar Ahmad

Umi Zuha, acting chairperson of Duktaran-e-Millat.

SRINAGAR: Separatist outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), on Tuesday endorsed Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Geelani's stand on the Pakistan proposal of "self rule" in Kashmir, saying the plan would only further strengthen "New Delhi's rule in Kashmir."

Dukhtaran acting chairperson Umi Zuha said at a press conference here that Mr. Geelani was justified in criticising the plan for self rule and economic self reliance.

"Not acceptable"

"Mr. Geelani is the only voice representing the real wishes of the people of Kashmir. It is time to strengthen his hands. No such proposal is acceptable to the people of Kashmir who are fighting for their genuine rights," she said.

Hits out at Pakistan

Though a strong advocate of Kashmir's merger with Pakistan, the DeM chief did not spare the Musharraf Government.

She said it had softened its stand vis-à-vis Kashmir.

"They are part of the process aimed at burying the freedom movement in Kashmir. We want to request the leadership of Pakistan to leave us (Kashmiris) to Allah's mercy and it will be good if Pakistan distances itself from the process aimed at harming the interests of Kashmiris."

"Struggle will continue"

Ms. Zuha said the "struggle for the right to self-determination will continue at any cost." Criticising the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, she said, "It is not playing a good role in the given circumstances. Whosoever is even considering such proposals is helping American backed political drama."

Ms. Zuha is heading the organization in the absence of Asiya Andrabi, who is in jail for several months now.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National