Hizb leaders demand meaningful talks

By Shujaat Bukhari

JAMMU, DEC. 22. After a prolonged silence over the ceasefire and its subsequent extension, developments a group of Hizb-ul- Mujahideen leaders appeared at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar today and vowed to fight against any ``sell-out'' on Kashmir. The group's chief commander (operations), Mr. Abdul Majid Dar, termed the India and Pakistan initiatives ``sincere and important''.

Led by the district commander, Mr. Mujahid Basit, a group of four gun-wielding militants appeared in the compound of the Jamia Masjid when the entire leadership of Hurriyat Conference was present there to address the congregation in connection with Jumatul Vida (last Friday of Ramzan). Holding a green banner ``Hizb-ul-Mujahideen zindabad'' (long live Hizb-ul-Mujahideen), the militants briefly spoke to mediapersons.

``We do not oppose the Hurriyat leaders going to Pakistan,'' said Mr. Basit adding that a ceasefire alone would not solve the issue. A meaningful dialogue had to be initiated and any solution must be in accordance with the people's wishes.

He said the Hizb was bound by its constitution, which was for the State's merger with Pakistan. A militant then fired a few shots in the air and the group left. Later, the Hurriyat leaders in the process of making speeches, said they would not work towards a ``sell-out''.

In a statement, Mr. Dar said any discussion on Kashmir could not ignore the Hizb. On the extension of the ceasefire by India and the subsequent withdrawal of troops from the LoC by Pakistan, he said, ``these two decisions reflect the feeling both the countries have vis-a-vis finding a permanent solution to the Kashmir dispute.''

The Hizb while continuing its activities was keeping a close watch over the situation, said Mr. Dar.

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