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J&K Ikhwan militants form
another pro-India party

The breakaway faction of Kuka Parray's pro-India Awami League on Saturday announced the formation of new pro-India party - Jammu and Kashmir Awami Conference.

Kuka Parray, the top counter-insurgent-turned-politician had recently sacked some senior Awami League leaders, including S K Tickoo and former chief of pro-India militant outfit Ikhwan Hilal Hyder.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, JKAC leaders appealed to militants and security forces to observe a six month long cease-fire beginning the holy month of Ramadan. "If a cease fire can work in the North-east, why not here?" they argued.

Tickoo said, "The new party will strive for restoration of peace in J&K."

"I believe Hizbul Mujahideen is still in touch with the government after the ceasefire broke down in July this year," he said.

Captain Tickoo said that the Jammu and Kashmir problem cannot be solved by the Indian government and Kashmiris alone. "Any agreement without Pakistan will lead us nowhere," he said.

Tickoo blamed both ruling party and the opposition for what he called a 'dangerous drift in the situation in the state' and added, "Politicians have betrayed people's trust. Officialdom, under the patronage of the ruling party, has been striking at the very roots of democratic functioning. The neighbouring country is taking advantage of people's frustration."

Tickoo said that instead of responding positively to the present situation, 'self-styled J&K experts are experimenting with Track-I and Track-II diplomacy'.

"Seminars are held in air-conditioned halls to shed crocodile tears over our misery," he said.

Revival of peace, Tickoo said, is a pre-requisite to starting a meaningful dialogue with the people and 'peace alone can revive the democratic institutions and basic rights'.

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