Summit sparks hope in J&K, but not in Geelani

SRINAGAR: Expressing the hope that the Saarc summit will result in better relations between the member countries, leader of the breakaway group of the Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Shah Geelani said the people of the state should not attach much expectation to the conference.
Geelani said on Saturday no political issue will be discussed during the summit as it is meant to discuss economic aspect of the seven countries.The summit should end peacefully without any bitterness between India and Pakistan, Geelani said.
Geelani, however, said it was a welcome change to see both the countries meeting after a lot of bitterness. He said, ‘‘ The Kashmir issue can be settled by tripartite talks or by giving the people of the state the right of self-determination.’’
The Hurriyat chairman said the Saarc summit would pave way for the resolution of Kashmir. Geelani regretted that before leaving for Pakistan the PM didn’t accept Kashmir as a dispute between India and Pakistan.