Talks within Constitution unacceptable: Hurriyat

The moderate faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference on Monday described as 'unacceptable' Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil's contention that he would hold talks with them 'within the four walls of Constitution'.

Reacting to Patil's remarks, the Hurriyat Conference in a statement said, "The unconditional talks have been made conditional by the home minister, which is not acceptable."

The separatist amalgam, which has already held two rounds of talks with the Centre, said the solution to the sensitive issue like Kashmir cannot be found within the ambit of Constitution of any country but by reading the ground realities, world political situation and interests of future.

It said setting pre-conditions for dialogue was against the spirit of parleys.

"Hurriyat rejects the statement and deems it against the spirit of dialogue, where international principles and laws are not taken into account," the statement said.

"Conditional talks are unacceptable and impractical," it said.

Hurriyat said there would be no breakthrough in the talks unless the parties show flexibility in their stands, understand the problem in its correct perspective and exhibit far sightedness.

However, it maintained that dialogue was the best way to resolve the issue and the talks should be meaningful, result-oriented and unconditional.

Based on these principals, the statement said, Hurriyat entered into talks with the Centre, which was unconditional and was held at a specific political level.

After the two sides agreed that the issue would be resolved only through dialogue, two rounds of talks with the Centre were held at the top level where in it was decided to carry forward the process with sincerity, seriousness and clean atmosphere to find an honourable and everlasting solution to the issue, it said.

Hurriyat said with the change of government at the Centre after elections a new situation has emerged. The statement of the home minister has converted unconditional talks into conditional one by attaching constitutional bindings, which was not acceptable to the Hurriyat, it said.