Tuesday, January 18 2005 13:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: As the Center announced setting up of a committee to discuss autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, hard-line separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani yesterday (Jan 17, 2005) said a lasting solution to Kashmir issue could be found only through talks among concerned parties including Pakistan.

Bilateralism over the past 57 years had not yielded results and "these cannot guarantee a solution in future as well," he said in a statement.

"A lasting solution to Kashmir issue can be found only through tripartite talks among concerned parties - India, Pakistan and Kashmiris," Geelani, recuperating in a hospital in Delhi following surgery, said.

"Our stand on dialogue is very clear. We are not against talks but these have to be meaningful, purposeful and sincere," he said.

Referring to Center's intention to hold talks with him, the separatist leader accused it of spreading falsehood to defame his amalgam.

"An impression is being created that New Delhi is already in touch with the Hurriyat which is not true," Geelani said.

On External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh's statement that Jammu and Kashmir was a symbol of Indian secularism and there would be no compromise on it, he said such remarks reflected rigidity and arrogance.