NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Onkar Singh in New Delhi
The chairman of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, Abdul Gani Bhat, is optimistic that both India and Pakistan would respond favourably to its proposal for simultaneous talks made on Wednesday.
Speaking to rediff.com on phone from his residence in Srinagar, Bhat also said, "In the new environment of the diplomatic efforts, we in the APHC felt that the parallel election commission should be kept in abeyance. The Centre too did not accept our six-member commission."
Bhat said India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir must talk to find a solution to the Kashmir issue.
"We have asked the Indian government for permission to go to Pakistan occupied Kashmir to talk to the militant groups there to declare a ceasefire. Once that is done the Indian troops should also withdraw," he said.
He admitted that the assassination of Abdul Gani Lone had come as a major jolt to his organisation. " But we have to carry on our battle for freedom," he said.
Asked if there was any pressure from the to take part in the forthcoming state assembly election to be held in October, Bhat said, "As far as the APHC is concerned there is no change in its stand whatsoever."
"We have said once and I would repeat it again that APHC is not participating in the election," he said.
He denied the allegations that APHC was being run on funds received from Pakistan. "Those who make these allegations should clarify what they mean."
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
