Qureshi attackers warn pro-dialogue leaders of consequences

Militant outfit al Nasreen, which has owned responsibility for the attack on Hurriyat leader Fazal Haq Qureshi, today warned pro-dialogue leaders to desist from quiet talks with New Delhi or else face the consequences.

"These veiled persons (pro-talk leaders) should denounce their behind-the-scene talk with New Delhi, or else be ready to face the consequences," a statement issued to a local news agency by al Nasreen and two other militant outfits said.

Sami-ul-Haque, the spokesman for the three outfits, said Qureshi did not heed to their warnings and they had no option but to act against him.

A delegation was also sent to his home to convince him not to indulge in activities he was doing, "but unfortunately he didn't listen to us," Haque said.

He alleged Qureshi was a "facilitator of behind-the-scene parleys between New Delhi and some veiled persons".

Besides al Nasreen, the other two militants outfits are little-known Farzandan-e-Millat and Shahuda Bridge.

Qureshi's outfit People's Political Front, an important constituent of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, has said it would not bow down before extremism.

The dastardly attack on Qureshi would not deter them from pursuing a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir issue, it said yesterday.

Qureshi, the moderate face of the separatists, was shot at and critically wounded near a mosque on Friday evening.

Separatists and mainstream political parties have strongly condemned the attack on the leader who favours dialogue for resolving the Kashmir issue.