Srinagar, Nov 23: Separatist organisations in Kashmir, other than Hurriyat Conference led by Maulvi Mohammad Abbas Ansari, do no attach much significance to the proposed talks between Hurriyat and New Delhi as in their view talks without involving Pakistan will be a futile exercise. "The process of talks (between Hurriyat and New Delhi) is a futile exercise unless Pakistan is involved in the dialogue," rebel Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani said today.

However, he said his faction of Hurriyat would have no objection to the talks once India accepted "disputed status" of Kashmir and "find ways and means to ensure participation of all the parties to the Kashmir issue - India, Pakistan and people of Kashmir- in the negotiations". Another senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah said solution to the Kashmir issue could be obtained through talks but demanded involvement of militants in the negotiations.

"Mujahideen through their blood internationalised Kashmir issue and their involvement in the negotiations cannot be ignored," Shah, who heads democratic freedom party, said.

Shah expressed concern over the division in the ranks of separatists and said, "The Kashmiri leadership is divided at a crucial time of the freedom struggle." He said the best way to respect the wishes and aspirations of the people is that all the leaders come to one platform and speak in one voice.

Bureau Report