A top leader of pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit made a dramatic appearance at Srinagar's Jamia Masjid today, declaring that his group favoured peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue. Self-styled 'district commander' Abdul Basit, who was masked and armed as were his seven associates, told reporters at the main gate of the mosque after Friday prayers that the Hizb wanted peace and initiation of a purposeful, meaningful and result-oriented talks to resolve the Kashmir issue. He, however, said the group opposed the current ceasefire announced by the Centre as it is not the solution to the issue. Kashmir problem cannot be resolved through ceasefires as has been witnessed in the past.
When referred to the Hizb's ceasefire in July, he said, “It was to demonstrate to the world that we (militants) would not be a hurdle if the Kashmir issue is resolved peacefully.” “We also desire peace and we do not want to become a hurdle in the way of resolving the (Kashmir) issue peacefully through negotiations,” he said.
He, however, added that the the only solution to the Kashmir issue is its merger with Pakistan.
Hurriyat Conference leaders were inside the mosque offering prayers on the occasion of 'Jamiat-Ul-Vida' (last Friday before Id-Ul-Fitr) when Basit made the appearance and talked to the news persons.
Basit said he had come to the mosque to listen what message the Hurriyat leaders would give to the Kashmiris.
On the Hurriyat leadership's plans to travel to Pakistan next month, he said they may proceed to hold talks with the leaders there and explain their stand to the leaders of militants in Pakistan.
He, however, added that the Hurriyat leaders had not clarified as to whom they wanted to talk to in Pakistan besides the militant leadership.
The militants fired some shots in the air before disappearing.
Bureau Report