Ansari-led IuM questions Hurriyat’s ‘double standards’

Srinagar: The Maulana Abbas Ansari-led Itehad-ul-Muslimeen (IuM) Thursday welcomed the decision of Hurriyat Conference (M) to revoke its suspension but cornered the amalgam’s chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on maintaining “a measured silence” over the “unrealistic and unconstitutional” suggestion of Professor Abdul Gani Bhat that trifurcation was the natural solution to Kashmir problem.In an interview to a Punjab-based daily last month, Bhat had said that, to him, “division of Jammu and Kashmir into three geo-political entities is the natural solution (to the Kashmir issue.)”Without naming Bhat, the Itehad-ul-Muslimeen said that it was surprising that while Ansari “was shown the door for displaying hospitality in accordance with Islamic traditions, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq chose to remain silent on a senior leader’s unrealistic and unacceptable proposal of state’s trifurcation as a solution to the Kashmir issue.” “We have a right to question the double standards being observed towards different Hurriyat constituents. Why did the Mirwaiz maintain silence when statements which clearly violate the Hurriyat constitution were being issued right under his nose or when other Hurriyat constituents are involved in a parallel (political) process continuously?” the Itehad-ul-Muslimeen said in a statement issued.The IuM also questioned the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat’s decision to engage in talks with the Ram Jethmalani- led Kashmir Committee. “There are various Indian committees active in Kashmir and the Dileep Padgaonkar led Kashmir panel and Ram Jethmalai led Kashmir Committee are both empowered to make recommendations   only. If the Hurriyat’s stand is that dialogue can be meaningful only when it’s held at a decision making level then how does talking to these committees make sense, when all of them are hired employees of Indian government and there is no difference between them on the so-called governmental and non-governmental level. If the motive is to present your point of view then why differentiate between these employees?” it asked.Terming the annulment of its suspension as a “welcome step,” the IuM said the decision would help narrow the gulf “which had been caused due to a misunderstanding.” It said the decision has also “vindicated our practical approach.”The IuM said it would soon convene a meeting of its executive council to decide on joining back the Hurriyat Conference (M).   The IuM said it was a firm believer in unity and organizational discipline and that it was in favour of dialogue between India, Pakistan and the “real” leadership of Kashmiris. “No solution will be possible by sidelining Pakistan because that country’s participation in the dialogue process has a historical importance.”