Srinagar: The War of words between JKLF and Anjuman Shar-e-Shian, a constituent of moderate Hurriyat Conference, intensified on Wednesday with the two separatist outfits trading charges.
In an apparent reference to Mohammad Yasin Malik (JKLF chairman), the Hurriyat constituent said in a statement, "Freedom loving people are not unaware of who took crores of rupees to hand over arms to Indian forces and adorned the Gandhian cloak to save life."
The statement was issued hours after JKLF`s Budgam district president Gulzar Ahmad Pahalwan accused Anjuman of changing loyalties.
"We are not those who change ideologies and sympathies for lust of power, money and other benefits on a phone call.
"When entire Kashmir was backing the Muslim United Front (MUF) in 1987 elections, these people (Anjuman) chose the other way and joined National Conference-Congress alliance," Pahalwan said.
He accused the Anjuman of taking part in elections, directly and indirectly, since 1995.
"People like them have no moral right to talk about those who are pioneers of revolution and symbols of freedom for Kashmiris," he added.
Malik in a statement on Monday had accused the moderate Hurriyat Conference leaders of amassing huge assets under the garb of "freedom movement".
"They (moderate Hurriyat leaders) have acquired palatial houses and other benefits under the garb of freedom movement. They claim to lead the freedom movement and also protect the interests of India as well," Malik alleged.
"These pseudo separatists, who are observing the anniversary of Imam Khomeini, are intentionally or unintentionally helping the forces of oppression," the JKLF chairman added.
While Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq rejected Malik`s allegations as "baseless" and not worthy of a comment, the Anjuman hit back by saying, "If making a speech, or not making one, at a seminar becomes the yardstick for pro-freedom credentials, we can only regret such thinking."
Fissures in the separatist ranks came out in the open after Malik was not given an opportunity to speak at a seminar organised by Anjuman to commemorate the anniversary of Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini at Kashmir University.
The Anjuman defended its decision saying due to paucity of time many other leaders and scholars were unable to express their views.
PTI
