Hurriyat leader's comment drives a wedge among separatists

Efforts of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Moulvi Umar Farooq to smoothen the relations among the various constituents of the separatist conglomerate fell flat as supporters of the various constituents shouted down each other at the meeting of the executive body on Tuesday afternoon.

The rival supporters also indulged in slogan shouting and virtual mudslinging at each other at the headquarters of the APHC.

The trouble in the conglomerate was triggered by a statement by Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, who heads the Muslim Conference constituent that 'UN resolutions on Kashmir were impracticable' evoking umbrage from various leaders of the group.

Bhat's own party, Muslim Conference expelled him from the party. "Prof Gani has violated the basic principle of Muslim Conference, thus has been disqualified from the basic membership of the party." It appointed Shabir Ahmad Dar as the caretaker president.

Bhat, however, dismissed his expulsion from the party saying, "I don't recognise Dar. I have expelled him from the party long ago. He doesn't matter."

The trouble at the APHC headquarters was between the supporters of Mirwaiz Moulvi Umar Farooq and Bilal Gani Lone on one hand and Shabir Ahmad Shah on the other with their supporters trading charges against each other.

Mirwaiz tried to calm down the sparring groups, warning them 'not to air their differences in open' saying the 'proper forum for sorting out the differences was the APHC'.

After the meeting of the executive, Mirwaiz made it clear that 'all the constituents must follow the APHC constitution which roots for self determination for the people of the state'.

"The UN resolutions provide the legal frame work for the resolution of the issue," the Mirwaiz said.

He also made it clear 'the pro-India parties had no role in the resolution as these parties were involved in the suppression of the people'.

Mahazi Azadi patron and senior separatist leader, Azam Inquilabi lashed out at the conglomerate, saying, "The UN resolutions form the bedrock and basis of the Kashmir issue. These resolutions guarantee our right to self determination."

Chairman of the National Front Nayeem Ahmad Khan, while addressing a press conference, said, "This is utter violation of the APHC constitution. Whosoever violates the constitution ceases to be a member of the conglomerate. We will not allow anyone to redirect or misdirect the movement. The movement does not belong to any person or party."

Khan added, "We can never think of joining hands with the National Conference or the Peoples Democratic Party."

Javed Ahmad Mir, another separatist leader, said, "They have been demanding the implementation of the UN's resolutions and now they are saying these resolutions are obsolete. The leader must respect the APHC constitution."