Ahead of Zardari visit, Geelani says Pak rulers ‘overawed’ by India

Srinagar: Asserting that status quo was “unacceptable” to Kashmiris, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani Thursday said Pakistani rulers were “overawed” by India Days ahead of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to India, Geelani, while addressing public gatherings at Shahgund Hajin and Sopore town, warned that any attempt to put the Kashmir issue on backburner would have an adverse impact on Indo-Pak subcontinent.

“Kashmiris would never accept solution which does not take their sacrifices and aspirations into account. Even thought the Pakistani rulers seem to be overawed by India but Kashmiris are determined to take the freedom struggle to its logical end,” Geelani said referring to Zardari’s upcoming visit to India on April 8.
Geelani said Pakistan “bestowing India with the most favoured nation title was akin to rubbing salt on the wounds of Kashmiris.”
“ An important party to the Kashmir dispute, Pakistan has always supported the right to self determination of Kashmiris and Pakistani youth have shed blood for Kashmir even as the country has had to fight several wars over the issue . I would advise President Zardari to raise the issue of Kashmiris’ right to self determination during his visit to India and make it clear to the Indian leadership that Kashmir is the core issue between the two countries and its resolution imperative for peace and stability of the region,” he said.
Geelani said that status quo was no solution and any attempt to impose such kind of “formulas on Kashmiris would be met with severe resistance .”
Pertinently, Pakistan today said Zardari’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would contribute towards achieving the “President’s vision to promote intra-regional peace and prosperity in this part of the world .”
However, the country maintained that it had not “compromised on our principled positions on other issues, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”
Meanwhile, Geelani reiterated the call for complete boycott of upcoming Urban Local Bodies Elections.