Asks India, Pak to shun rigid attitude, calls for dialogue for peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue
Seemingly climbing down from his hard-line stand, Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Saturday batted for talks and asked both India and Pakistan to shun rigid and stubborn attitudes in a bid to resolve the vexed Kashmir issue.
"Dialogue is the only option for the peaceful resolution of all issues. Authorities in India and Pakistan should shun haughty and stubborn attitude and play a constructive role for its peaceful resolution. War and inconsistencies is no option instead they cause devastation and destructions. Both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers and any flare can prove extremely detrimental," said Geelani.
Geelani's remarks are seen as a big climb-down from his hawkish stand on dialogue and India. All along, Geelani has been blaming India for stubbornness over the Kashmir issue and bailing out Pakistan at the same time.
However, this time he is blaming both countries, putting them at par with each other. Secondly, he has always asked for dialogue only after India accepts Kashmir as an internationally accepted dispute. This time that line is missing in Geelani's remarks.
Urging both countries to demonstrate restraint and wisdom, Geelani asked them to resolve the issue as per the aspirations, wishes and expectations of people of the state.
"The Kashmir issue poses a threat for world peace. It is proving a big obstacle in peace, prosperity and development in the region," he said.
Hailing UN Secretary General for his keen interest in the dispute, Geelani said it is encouraging that he is illustrating his interest towards the issue from day one. "I on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir express my gratitude to Antonio Guterres for his moral support to our cause. I hope that he will play a positive and effective role for its peaceful settlement," he said.
This is the second time that Geelani has shown flexibility on the vital issues confronting Kashmir. Earlier this month, the Hurriyat hawk opened a window of relief for the government by seeking to de-link the separatist struggle from the GST which was later passed in the legislative assembly.
Change of tone
Geelani’s latest remarks are a big climb-down from his hawkish stand on dialogue between India and Pakistan
All along, Geelani has blamed India for stubbornness on the Kashmir issue
He has always asked for dialogue only after India accepts Kashmir as an internationally accepted dispute
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