Srinagar, July 10: Notwithstanding feud within the conglomerate triggered by the war of words between Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and peoples conference, Hurriyat Conference today sought to signal that it-is-business-as-usual by calling a general strike on July 13 to press for a permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. A statement released by the Hurriyat headquarters today called for a general strike to be observed on "Martyrs Day". It said the ongoing struggle would continue till a permanent and honourable solution to the Kashmir issue was found.

Meanwhile, the present stand off between Geelani and Peoples Conference has led to calls for reconciliation from several Hurriyat constituents as well as militant outfits.

The ongoing war of words between the two separatist leaders has irked some of the top Hurriyat leaders who feel the issue should have been discussed within the amalgam.

A senior Hurriyat leader has reportedly threatened to quit if the two factions did not stop slinging mud at each other.

Mahaz-i-Azadi, which was recently inducted into Hurriyat, has also made its unhappiness public over the goings on within the amalgam. Patron of Mahaz Mohammad Azam Inquilabi said such issues should have been resolved at a closed door meeting.

Pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen said that the outfit has decided to keep an eye on "persons indulging in conspiracies".
Without identifying anybody, Hizb spokesman Junaidul Islam said that some elements levelled allegations against militants. But we "reject" these allegations.

Terming the situation as regrettable and disturbing, pro-Pakistan militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba in a statement appealed to the separatist leaders to demonstrate political maturity at this crucial juncture of the struggle.
Bureau Report