Wanted him to contest elections but he refused: Mehbooba
NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Sep 1 (NVI): Senior separatist leader Syed Saleem Geelani today joined Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the pretext that PDP is the only party that openly talks about resolution of Kashmir issue and hundreds of prisoners languishing in jails.
Geelani was associated with the Hurriyat Conference (M) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for several decades. “Today, I am joining PDP because of the fact that this is the only party that talks about resolution of Kashmir issue and fate of hundreds of prisoners languishing in prisons for years,” he said addressing media in presence of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.
Geelani said given his ideology, PDP is the best bet for him. “Given my ideology, PDP is only party that has similar vision and mission. That’s why I decided to join this party,” he said.
Geelani said when he was part of Hurriyat, he was feeling proud and now he is PDP, he feels proud. “I would like to carry forward the mission of late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed which is nothing but to seek resolution of Kashmir issue and to fight for the release of prisoners,” he said, adding that “I will strengthen the hands of Mehboobaji in whatever form I can.”
He said he doesn’t want mandate but serve the people. “My ultimate aim is to serve people,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, Mehbooba said that she wanted Geelani to contest but he refused and preferred to give chance to someone else. (News Vibes of India)
