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India's relief points along LoC futile: Geelani
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October 24, 2005 20:09 IST

Breakaway Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday termed 'futile' the Centre's move to open three rehabilitation points along the Line of Control.

Geelani said Kashmiris must be allowed to visit quake-ravaged areas of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for relief operations.

"At this time, everyone needs to go to Pakistan. We must help the affected people physically," Geelani said.

He said the October 8 earthquake had caused extensive death and destruction in the areas and the survivors required help. "Scores of Kashmiris brethren have been killed. We must take part in rescue operations in PoK and Pakistan," he added.

The separatist leader said the rehabilitation points along the LoC would not serve any purpose.

The Centre has already allowed Jammu and Kashmir [Images] Liberation Front Chief Yaseen Malik to visit Pakistan and PoK with financial assistance for the quake-affected people.

Moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other members of his faction are also scheduled to leave for PoK with relief supplies after Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Hurriyat delegation would distribute blankets, medicines and eatables among the affected people in PoK.

About travelling himself to the quake-hit areas in Pakistan and PoK, Geelani said, "I do not have travel documents. How can I go to Pakistan?"

Earlier this year, Geelani had turned down Pakistan's invitation to visit that country and PoK in June in the Srinagar- Muzaffarabad bus, as he had strongly opposed the resumption of the cross-border bus service.

Geelani declined to comment on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's [Images] proposal of softening the borders.

Complete coverage: Tremors across borders



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