Reacting sharply to Pakistan's statement that it will deal with Kashmir issue in the backchannels, JKLF chief Yasin Malik on Sunday said Kashmiris are a living nation not any group of dumb animals who can be cajoled by some myth or tricks.
"To say that Kashmir issue will be taken up during backdoor diplomacy is actually insulting this living nation," said Malik in a statement issued in Srinagar.
Malik said Jammu and Kashmir has a history of 5,000 years and more than 5 lakh people have sacrificed their lives for it. alik's statement comes in response to Pakistani foreign minister Sartaj Aziz remarks where he suggested that "Kashmir will be taken during secret talks".
"The Pakistani minister actually sprinkled salt on the wounds of Kashmiris who have lost their four generations for their freedom and a peaceful resolution to this dispute," said Malik.
Separatists in the Kashmir Valley are up in arms after a joint declaration issued after the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Russia skipped the Kashmir-word.
"By not mentioning Kashmir in the joint declaration and now saying that this will be taken on during backdoor diplomacy is actually an indication that India and Pakistan want to put Kashmir on the backburner," alleged Malik.
{{/usCountry}}"By not mentioning Kashmir in the joint declaration and now saying that this will be taken on during backdoor diplomacy is actually an indication that India and Pakistan want to put Kashmir on the backburner," alleged Malik.
{{/usCountry}}"Kashmiris are not a group of dumb animals that someone according to his or her will or whim may decide about their future and they will watch the proceedings with silence," he warned.
Malik claimed that the BJP after assuming power in Delhi has refused to talk on Kashmir. "This is why they (BJP) create havoc even on small meetings between Kashmiri resistance leaders and Pakistani diplomats," said Malik.
The separatist leader said the joint declaration proved the fact that Indian point of view about Kashmir got an acceptance.
"Who he is trying to befool us now?" asked Malik.
"These two countries cannot prosper and progress while keeping the entire Kashmiri nation as hostage for their pity gains," he added.