Author: Shujaat Bukhari
Publication: The Hindu
Date: May 21, 2003
URL: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/05/21/stories/2003052105141100.htm
The former chairman of the All-Party
Hurriyat Conference and Jamat-e-Islami ideologue, Syed Ali Geelani, today
hit back at Pakistan for its decision to ban the Hizb-ul Mujahideen. He
termed it shocking and painful.
Mr. Geelani told The Hindu that
Pakistan had been claiming that it was supporting the "Kashmir movement
for the right of self-determination'' at diplomatic and political levels.
The continued denial of this right had led to an armed upsurge in Kashmir
and the Hizb-ul Mujahideen was the only indigenous outfit of Kashmiris
and its sacrifices had been exemplary. On the direction of the United States,
Pakistan should not stop the people from continuing their struggle. The
decision is not only painful for "freedom-loving people of Kashmir but
for the people of Pakistan as well''.
He said that "the Hizb-ul Mujahideen
is the heartbeat of Kashmiri people and a priceless asset for Pakistani
people which has been treading on the thorny road of sacrifices".
He said armed struggle was still
relevant as there was no indication of a meaningful dialogue for resolving
the Kashmir issue.
Mr. Geelani said the right of self-determination
was the only solution to the problem and if the majority of the Kashmiri
people wanted to remain with India, the wish should be respected.
