The Hindu : National : Yasin Malik threatens to go on hunger strike

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Tuesday, May 08, 2007
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Yasin Malik threatens to go on hunger strike

Special Correspondent

Dares Government to stop his Safr-e-Azadi again

Yasin Malik

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik on Monday threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike if the Government did not allow his "Safr-e-Azadi" (Journey for Freedom).

Mr. Malik, stopped by the police at Daksum in south Kashmir on Saturday when he was about to start his Kashmir Valley-wide journey, told a news conference that he would now begin it on May 20.

"And if the Government stops me again, I will start an indefinite hunger strike to draw world attention to the Government's attempts to muzzle the people in this State."

The JKLF leader said his journey would only strengthen the ongoing peace process. "If they want to derail the peace process, they can stop me again." "Since 1994, when we laid down arms, we paid a heavy price for supporting the peace process. I was attacked a number of times but we remained steadfast," he said. "We have been supportive of the ongoing peace process but we just want the involvement of Kashmir in decision-making, instead of mere consultation."

He said the people of Kashmir wanted a place at the negotiating table and be involved in the decision-making process between India and Pakistan. "This is clear as we have already got 15 lakh signatures in the signature campaign."

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