I fit in PDP’s ideology as party talks about Kashmir issue, people in jails: Former Separatist leader after joining

Srinagar, Sep 01: : Former separatist leader Syed Saleem Geelani Sunday joined Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in presence of party Chief Mehbooba Mufti stating that PDP is the party that talks about Kashmir issue and people in jails.

“I couldn’t see any better platform for me other than the PDP. I was always inspired by the late Mufti Muhammad Sayed’s vision. He always talked about resolution of Kashmir issue and release of people languishing in jails,” Geelani said addressing media in presence of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). He said that when he was part of Hurriyat, he was proud of and now that he is part of PDP, he feels proud.

About whether he wants mandate or not, Geelani said that getting mandate to contest elections is not his aim. “I believe this is the only party where leaders talk about Kashmir issue and fate of hundreds of peole languishing in jails,” he said. “I will carry forward the PDP’s vision as I fit in this ideology only.” Geelani was part of Hurriyat (M) for many decades.

Welcoming Geelani into the party fold, Mehbooba said she wanted Geelani to contest but he refused. “He told us to give chance to someone else,” he said.