Syed Ali Shah Geelani

SRINAGAR: Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Thursday said that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf was not supported by anybody in Pakistan on his "changed course of action on Kashmir."

After a two-day Hurriyat Conference meeting, Mr. Geelani told a news conference that Gen. Musharraf's proposal of Pakistan's withdrawing from Kashmir was not endorsed by the political leadership, his cabinet, the Opposition or even the Foreign Office.

He traced the change in Gen. Musharraf's views over Kashmir to the situation which emerged post September 11. "Whatever he [Musharraf] is saying is because he is scared and has lost the confidence of the Pakistani people." Mr. Geelani said Gen. Musharraf was being dictated to by the United States, and was daunted by India's strong economy. He said Gen. Musharraf had committed a Himalayan blunder by supporting the U.S., which has resulted in unending bloodshed in Afghanistan and Iraq, and uncertainty in Pakistan. Kashmiris were grateful to the people and Government of Pakistan for their political and diplomatic support for "our just and genuine cause."

Mr. Geelani rejected Gen. Musharraf's proposals of joint control, soft borders and self rule as a solution to the Kashmir issue. He reiterated that a trilateral dialogue based on the United Nation resolution was the only way to find an amicable and peaceful solution. He said that these proposals were in fact "Indian proposals," as New Delhi was not ready to compromise on any issue.

"Indigenous struggle"

Mr. Geelani clarified that even if the Pakistan Government withdrew its support to "our freedom struggle" it will continue because "it is an indigenous struggle." He said secularism or communism had no place in Kashmir. "

Dukhataran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi and Muslim League leader Mushtaqul Islam supported Mr. Geelani. "Musharraf is an oppressor who is ruling Pakistan with Army power. He cannot decide our fate," said Ms. Andrabi.

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