Fernandes rules out talk with Hurriyat

Author:
Publication: The Times of India
Date: June 22, 2002

Defence minister George Fernandes on Friday ruled out any talks with the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, saying that the conglomerate had spurned the Centre's initiative when K.C. Pant had visited Kashmir.

Talking to reporters here, he said there was no question of talking to the Hurriyat as the Centre had already taken a tough stance on the secessionist body. He pointed out that senior Hurriyat leader Ali Shah Geelani was already in jail. Mr Fernandes was responding to a reporter's query on whether the Centre was ready to talk to Hurriyat Conference leaders even if it alienated the National Conference.
 

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