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Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar
Soon after the Election Commission announced the dates for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly poll, the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman Prof Abdul Gani Bhat on Friday again reiterated his outfit's resolve to not participate in it.
"Our position is what it is. Election does not provide any answers," Bhat told rediff.com.
"The question we have raised is significant and sensitive. The international community recognizes it. We seek a permanent settlement of the dispute in the interest of the people in the entire region," Bhat said.
The APHC chief said the Hurriyat executive will be meeting next week and 'come out with a statement for the people to consider'.
Another prominent separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah also ruled out participation in the election. "We will not participate in the poll. Election is not a solution to the Kashmir problem."
"Dialogue is a must before holding election. We would consider participation in the poll if it is aimed to elect true representatives of Kashmir who would hold talks for a final settlement of the issue," Shah said. "I think the Government of India is not serious in solving the Kashmir problem. Let them hold the poll. We will not be participating."
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