Rajnath's statement shows India's 'egoistic approach' to Jammu and Kashmir: Hurriyat Conference

A day after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Jammu and Kashmir would remain a part of India, Syed Ali Shah Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference today termed the statement as New Delhi's "egoistic approach", saying such rhetoric cannot change the reality that the State is a disputed territory.

"Singh's statements about Jammu and Kashmir make no difference. It is the egoistic approach of India. Such rhetoric and parroting cannot change the reality about Kashmir dispute," a Hurriyat spokesman said in a statement here. He said Kashmir is an internationally accepted issue and deferring this issue has led to "uncertainty" in the state which has become a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. It is because of the Kashmir issue that both countries are investing a large amount of their budget on arms and ammunition.

The spokesman said "harsh and egotistical" statements never change ground realities. Instead, it will badly effect the position of India and raise questions about its claims of being the biggest democracy in world. Instead of blaming Pakistan, India should realise that it is its "arrogant approach" which is creating impediments and hurdles in peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue. The Hurriyat spokesman said it is better for India to shun its rigid approach, face the reality and help resolve the Kashmir issue.

The spokesman also criticised the Union Home Minister for asking Pakistan to hold a referendum on whether the people want the country to merge with India. India is aware of the possible results of a referendum in Kashmir and that is the reason why they (people like Rajnath) are making such meaningless statements, the Hurriyat said.