New Delhi: A "proper" invitation from the Centre's interlocutor N N Vohra could bring
the Hurriyat Conference to the talks though the conglomerate is not "enthusiastic"
about the new appointment, says Kashmir Committee Chairman Ram Jethmalani.
"They (Hurriyat) are certainly not enthusiastic about Vohra's appointment but that
does not mean, if properly invited, the Hurriyat will not talk. Our advice to them is
that if you are invited then there is no reason why you should not make your stand
clear," former union minister told reporters after his informal meeting with Hurriyat
leaders Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Khalil Mohammed on March 11.
He said "as a matter of fact Vohra has not even made it clear whether he wants to
hold talks with Hurriyat or not."
When told that the amalgam leadership was invited by previous interlocutor K C Pant,
he said there had been a sea change in the scenario since the time Pant was
functioning as
the interlocutor. "After all, at that time September 11 attacks had not taken place,"
he added.
Jethmalani said every single Ambassador, who has visited the Valley in the recent
past, met Hurriyat and held talks with them. "The only party, which has not done it
(talking to
Hurriyat) is the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Union government," he added.
He said he would continue his efforts to make the Central leadership understand the
utility of talking to Hurriyat.
"I have been talking to various political parties. And this is the most democratic
method of pressurising the government," he said.
PTI
