The separatist leadership in Srinagar on Monday dismissed Prime MInister Narendra Modi’s statement about finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem. All Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, said that for a lasting solution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the “Indian state must shun violence”. “We understand that the universal principle of right to self determination is the only road through which peace can be achieved in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said in a statement. Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq dismissed Prime Minister’s assurance saying if a “lasting and permanent solution” could be found “within the Indian Constitution” then it would have happened by now as Kashmir has been ruled by that Constitution for 70 years. This is mere empty rhetoric.”

Source: Hindustan Times August 22, 2016 18:55 UTC