The Hindu : National : JKLF rejects bilateral accord as solution

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JKLF rejects bilateral accord as solution

Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik on Saturday rejected any bilateral agreement between New Delhi and Srinagar as a solution to the Kashmir issue saying that it can only be resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people.

Inaugurating a two-day photo and video exhibition of his “Safr-e-Azadi (Journey for Freedom),” Mr. Malik said the 1989 armed rebellion was a peoples’ movement, and it was the outcome of a serious approach towards the problem. He said any accord on the lines of 1975 would not be acceptable to the people of Kashmir.

During his 144 days Safr-e-Azadi in Kashmir, Mr. Malik sought support for involvement of Kashmiris in the dialogue process between India and Pakistan. “The movement started by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in 1953 ended in 1975 after he signed the accord with Indira Gandhi. The 1975 accord was the result of the sacrifices rendered by Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and his few associates. But the present movement is nurtured by entire nation.”

Dismissing the notions that “freedom movement” in Kashmir was losing support, he said: “Each and every Kashmiri is a part of the present movement and each one of us has given personal sacrifices to keep the movement alive. Participation of people from all the walks of life in our programme is a clear message to India and Pakistan that Kashmiris cannot be ignored.”

Stating that the people of Kashmir wanted final settlement of the Kashmir issue according to their wishes and aspirations, Mr. Malik said: “More than one lakh people have laid down their lives for the sake of freedom. We will not accept any accord nor will it work.” He referred to the signature campaign which the JKLF had carried out in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir and said: “We collected more than 15 lakh signatures during our campaign. Those who claim that they are the elected representatives of Kashmiris collectively secured just 2 lakh votes.”

Separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Moulana Abbas Ansari, Shabir Shah and Naeem Khan were present.

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