London: While talking to Murtaza Ali Shah, correspondent of The News, Dr Shabir Choudhry said, Mansoor Ijaz might have lied about other issues regarding Memogate, but as far as Delhi Kashmir Conference is concerned whatever he has said is true. It is Yasin Malik who is telling lies. Apart form me there were many other Kashmiri leaders present in that Kashmir Conference; and I solemnly and sincerely c
onfirm that Mansoor Ijaz did not use foul language for the people ofKashmir.
However, he said that Kashmir dispute should be resolved by a process of dialogue; but because of ‘petro dollars’ coming from the Middle Eastern states some people are hurdle in the peace process.
Mansoor Ijas’s assertion and straight talk upset Yasin Malik and some other people from the Valleyof Kashmir. Some of them went to attack him. I ran out from the audience to protect Mansoor Ijaz. At no time Yasin Malik threw his shoe at Mansoor Ijaz. He is making stories to promote him as a ‘hero’.
Even if this claim of throwing shoe is true, what does it speak of Yasin Malik who is presented by a powerful lobby as a leader? This street boy attitude speaks volumes about his character and personality. It shows he is intolerant and not a suitable person to be engaged in a process of dialogue. Civilised people and especially sensible leaders listen to views of other people, put forward their view point logically and do not throw shoes at others or intimidate and harass opponents.
In reply to another question, Dr Shabir Choudhry said, ‘I never asked Yasin Malik to meet RAW Chief. I didn’t know who RAW Chief was anyway and had no contact with him.
However, Buzzword in the Conference was that the whole show was arranged to honour and ‘launch’ Yasin Malik on a national stage. It must be remembered that the Conference titled “Next Steps in Jammu and Kashmir: Give Peace A Chance†was jointly organised by an Indian Think Tank ‘International Centre for Peace Initiatives’; and Pakistani Think Tank ‘Institute of Regional Studies’, headed by Brigadier Bashir Ahmed. So, more than likely Yasin Malik might have had many meetings with RAW senior officers to be selected for this ‘honour’, where he was presented as a special guest.
Dr Shabir Choudhry further said, he will also write to the Chairman of the Memogate Commission that his side of the story could also be heard.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said, he will request the Commission that:
Yasin Malik has tarnished my name and reputation by implicating me in his bundle of lies; I should also be given an opportunity to put forward my side of the story. I am willing to travel to Islamabad on a short notice and present my case.
Now that my name is mentioned in the Memogate Commission enquiry, Sir, I strongly feel that the enquiry will not be complete without hearing my side (KMW NEWS)
