Separatists suspect Centre's intention behind 'quiet dialogue'

Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir today said the Centre's offer of a "quiet" dialogue is aimed at thrusting a compromise solution on the people of the state.

"Quiet diplomacy is secret diplomacy where few people will decide things and force a solution on people of Jammu and Kashmir against their aspirations, sacrifices and 62-year struggle", chairman of hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani said at a function here.

Union home minister P Chidamabaram said in Srinagar last month that the Centre will hold "quiet" talks with all shades of opinion to find a political solution to the Kashmir problem away from media glare that may be "unique".

Suspecting the Centre's intention behind the offer of a quiet dialogue, Geelani criticised Hurriyat moderates for responding positively to the move, saying that they did so to save their political career.

"Through quiet diplomacy, India thinks that it can buy every leader and individual here like they did with NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. But we have to break their belief, show national character and set an example for the progeny," the separatist leader said.

Accusing India of using colleges and universities as a tool to change the mindset and culture of the people of the state, he said it is a kind of oppression aimed at diluting their identity.

The Awami National Conference (ANC) also asked the Centre to suspend the "back channel" dialogue and faclitate Intra-Kashmir conferences across the Line of Control to thrash out a solution to the lingering Kashmir problem.