Geelani opposes self-rule proposed by Musharraf

Geelani, who is in Saudi Arabia after performing Haj, has opposed self-rule proposed by Musharraf.

Pro-Pakistan hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who is now in Saudi Arabia after performing Haj there, has opposed "self-rule" proposed by Pakistan President Prevez Musharraf.

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According to sources close to Geelani, the hardline leader, by opposing self-rule, accused Syed Salahuddin, heading an apex body of 10 terrorist groups, of succumbing to pressures from Pakistan.

Geelani's stand has also disappointed leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami of Pakistan, who as well as Salahuddin reached Jeddah on January 4 and had been camping there, waiting for Geelani to complete Haj.

Geelani had a series of meetings with Salahuddin and senior Jamaat functionaries from Pakistan and US-based Kashmiri separatists leaders who have been in the forefront of the idea of self-rule for Jammu and Kashmir.

Salahuddin-headed United Jehadi Council, according to Pakistani newspaper "Daily Times", has decided to support demilitarisation of the state, a suggestion also made by Musharraf.

Interestingly, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq-led moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference which is at loggerheads with the breakaway group led by Geelani, has supported self-rule.

However, India have rejected both self rule and demilitarization as parts of efforts to solve Kashmir issue.