NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Separatists in Kashmir Reject Interlocutors Roadmap

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Sept 22: The separatist leaders in Indian administered Kashmir have rejected the interlocutors roadmap for the political solution of Kashmir within the realm of Indian constitution.

The three interlocutors appointed by the Indian government while addressing a press conference here yesterday has said their final roadmap will be within the Indian constitution. "Any solution outside the domain of the Indian constitution won't be acceptable to the people of certain regions and sub regions besides parties in New Delhi," they said.

The interlocutors will submit their report to the Government of India by October 12.

Hardline separatist Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Geelani said they knew in advance that interlocutors will not go against their 'national interests' in finding a roadmap to the Kashmir issue.

"We knew it in advance and that is why, we never met them," he said.

Geelani said people have not rendered sacrifices for a resolution within the Indian constitution. "The sacrifices can't be sidelined. We will continue our struggle till we are allowed to exercise right to determine our future under UN resolutions. We won't accept any solution within the realm of the Indian constitution," he said.

Pro-independence JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik said his party decided against meeting the interlocutors as soon as they were appointed by New Delhi. "At the very beginning we made our decision that we will never meet them and we maintained that all through," he said.

"It will be immaterial for us to react to what they say, what they write or what they recommend," he said.

Moderate separatist leader Shabir Shah said no solution within framework of the Indian constitution will be acceptable to people of Kashmir.

"We haven't given sacrifices for any such resolution. Kashmiri people will continue their struggle peacefully till they are granted right to determine their fate," he said.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.