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Hurriyat trip to Pak may be delayed

The much-hyped visit by the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders to Pakistan appears to be non-starter, at least for the present since travel documents to these leaders are yet to be issued and the date for the visit, January 15 is approaching fast.

Hurriyat chairman Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, however, does not feel that January 15 is a 'gospel date.' He said, "What is so holy about the 15th? Even if the travel documents are issued later we will visit Pakistan in the interests of our people. Please do not ask me what the APHC agenda will be in Pakistan. Our agenda is simple, the resolution of the Kashmir dispute."

Former Hurriyat chairman Moulvi Omar Farooq while addressing a congregation in Srinagar said that the Hurriyat delegation will be "visiting Pakistan to discuss ways and means to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the Kashmir problem."

"It will be our endeavour to work for a joint strategy with government of Pakistan and militant leaders to find a solution to the vexed Kashmir problem."

He said there was no controversy over the constitution of the delegation. "I left myself out and am obliged to Yasin Malik for following suit. There is no question of any confusion or confrontation about this." He pooh-poohed a suggestion that the Hurriyat should have chosen the delegation from among members who already had valid travel documents.

"Why should we be guided by the decisions taken by New Delhi. We have our own perceptions about issues and if the Government of India is genuinely concerned about an early resolution of the problem they must bear with us," he said.

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