Stressing for meaningful tripartite talks, Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani said that unless the people’s aspirations are respected and addressed with sincerity, the negotiations won’t prove to be of any avail.

Geelani said that Centre can resolve the Kashmir issue only by respecting people’s aspirations for which sincere measures are needed and negotiations is the only option.

Commenting over human shield row and statement of Indian army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, wherein he has said that “individual officers are entitled to decide the tactic depending on circumstances” Geelani said that such statements are not expected from a commander of any disciplined force. This statement, however, illustrates their mindset.

He termed Gen Bipin Rawat’s statement far from reality and a self-made analysis.

He said that it is not correct to blame the civilians for the prevailing crisis situation in the state. “By and large all people in state are pursuing their struggle peacefully.

“For past seven decades, we are pursuing our struggle in a peaceful manner. In 2016, lakhs of people took to streets they were subjected to military might. They have failed to crush our sentiments. Now they want to defame and disgrace our leadership and freedom movement.”

Guest