Withdrawl of troops in J&K linked with peace: Hurriyat chairman

Chairman of hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani today said that demilitarisation is imperative for return of peace to Jammu and Kashmir.

"Unless the last Indian trooper leaves Kashmir, peace cannot return the state... Peace is linked with the withdrawal of troops," Geelani said while addressing a rally in North Kashmir's Bandipora district town, 55 kms from here.

Bandipora observed a complete shutdown today in response to the strike call given by Geelani as part of the campaign to press for withdrawal of troops. Reiterating his stand on the "quiet dialogue" with New Delhi, Geelani said bilateral talks are no solution to Kashmir issue.

"The solution of Kashmir issue lies in the implementation of UN Resolutions or tripartite talks among India, Pakistan and Kashmiris," he said adding "history stands testimony that bilateral have failed to resolve the Kashmir issue". The Hurriyat leader visited the martyrs' graveyard in the town and offered special prayers.