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Monday, September 27, 2010

Independent J&K to emerge as strong nation: JKLF

Srinagar, Sept 27: A day after Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani said Jammu and Kashmir’s survival as an independent state was difficult, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Sunday said the independent state would emerge as a strong nation on the world map because of its huge water and other natural resources.

Geelani in an interview with NewsX on Saturday said that he personally felt it was difficult for the state to survive as an independent entity given its geo-strategic location. However, the JKLF while rejecting Geelani’s statement said that the majority of the people in the state were in favor of independence as was “evident” from various surveys conducted by international organizations.  

Without naming Geelani, the JKLF leaders in a statement said, “A prominent pro-freedom leader on Saturday told an Indian news channel that an independent Kashmir was not viable.  There are several countries smaller than Jammu and Kashmir in terms of size and population and low on natural resources that have survived as independent entities. Furthermore, if Jammu and Kashmir is given independence it would thrive merely on its huge water reservoirs and other natural resources.”

“ In 1990, when other groups joined the freedom movement the JKLF to avoid internal anarchy announced to accept the decision of the majority during a referendum— whether in favour of India, Pakistan or independence. And the same principle was the basis of the Hurriyat Conference constitution. The JKLF leadership stands by its promise of respecting the will of the majority,” the leaders. (Writer-South Asia)