Hurriyat leader may switch to Geelani faction

The leaders have already approached the Geelani-led faction seeking their inclusion into the separatist fold.

After a push for unity from Pakistan, a senior executive member of the moderate Hurriyat, Aga Syed Hassan, is mulling to quit the Mirwaiz-led amalgam. But before taking a final call, the leader is seeking assurance from Syed Ali Geelani-led amalgam that he will be welcomed into their fold.

This new development comes a week after seven second-rung leaders of moderate Hurriyat left the separatist amalgam. The leaders have already approached the Geelani-led faction seeking their inclusion into the separatist fold.

Sources said that Hassan, who holds sway over the Shia population in central Kashmir, in a recent meet of moderates has showed his dissent. Sources added that before deciding to leave moderates, Hassan wants to ensure that he would be welcomed into its fold by Hurriyat hardliners. This change in loyalty from moderates to hardline Hurriyat has come after Pakistan reportedly asked the separatists to unite under one umbrella. Sources say that Pakistan was also not happy with senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah for forming a third Hurriyat faction.

Sources say soon after the formation of Hurriyat’s third faction last year, Shah and the representatives of Geelani’s faction have met several times to discuss unity efforts. “Yes, they have approached us,” Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar told The Indian Express. “They are in touch with us through a representative. The decision in this regard will be taken by our executive council. In principle, we are not against any pro-freedom group joining us.”

Source:: Indian Express