Srinagar: In a sudden move, Hurriyat Chairman Maulana Abbas Ansari today (May 21, 2004) stepped down from the post of the amalgam chairmanship and proposed moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq as his successor in order to bring unity in the faction-ridden conglomerate.

Ansari, who had taken over the reins of Hurriyat last year and had held two rounds of talks with outgoing Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, made this dramatic announcement at a function to mark the 14th death anniversary of Maulvi Farooq, father of Umer.

After Ansari, a Shia leader, took over the Hurriyat chairmanship, hardline separatist leaders including Jamaat-e-Islami's Syed Ali Shah Geelani walked out of the amalgam and formed a parallel outfit.

"I have been the bone of contention and I have decided to step down from the chairmanship so that there is unity," Ansari said.

He said he was giving one month's time to the breakaway group to consider the fresh proposal and join the parent body.

"If they accept the proposal well and good. If not there will be no relation between us and the breakaway group," Ansari said.

Taken by surprise by Ansari's announcement, Umer told the gathering, "We will be meeting on Sunday to discuss new developments that have emerged before us."