Kashmiri Leader Invites Pro-Indian Politicians to Join 'Freedom Struggle'

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Nov 11: Ailing Kashmiri leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Tuesday invited the pro-Indian Kashmiri politicians to join the 'freedom struggle' and stay away from the poll process.

The Indian government has announced a seven-phase elections in Kashmir and the first phase will commence on November 17. So far people have stayed away from the poll process and have not been participating in any rallies being organised by the pro-Indian political parties.

The hardline leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani in separate letters to pro-Indian Kashmiri politicians has asked them to stay away from the poll process and participate in the freedom struggle. "Kashmir dispute is a humanitarian issue and can be resolved through broader unity. Let you (pro-Indian politicians) understand your moral duty towards the nation and extend full support to the people's movement for freedom," the letter written to the pro-Indian politicians, reads.

This is for the first time that any separatist leader has written to the pro-Indian politicians and advised them to join the freedom struggle.

Geelani, who recently underwent heart surgery in Indian capital, wrote in the letter, "Despite having political and ideological differences, I still believe we are sons of the same soil and share human brotherhood. For the larger interest of Kashmiris, I am sending this communiqué to you" he states.

Opposing the holding of elections in Kashmir, Geelani said, "When Kashmir is returned to its people by India then political parties can happily contest elections. Right now India is occupying Kashmir and in such a circumstance, holding elections is a futile exercise. The need of the hour is not to participate in elections but to carry forward the freedom struggle".

He added that elections cannot prove an alternative the right of self determination, that has been promised to people of Kashmir by the first Indian Prime Minister and the resolution in this regard are pending in the UN Security Council.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.