Topic: Hurriyat Conference

Watali was arrested in August 2017 in a terror funding case. According to NIA, which attached 17 properties belonging to him Monday, he was a conduit who helped bring Pakistani money to Hurriyat.

It is possible that Pakistan ISI will see the leadership vacuum in Hurriyat as an opportunity to take over the outfit and regroup terror modules. Delhi needs to be vigilant.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani quit the Hurriyat Monday, blaming his fellow hardline separatists for ‘not reacting properly’ after Article 370 was scrapped.

Modi’s first term was dominated by a ‘hard’ policy focused on eliminating terrorists without political engagement. But it bore no fruits.

Security cover withdrawn after union home minister Rajnath Singh had said some separatist leaders had links to Pakistan’s ISI and terror organisations.

Joint leadership issues statement calling for Pakistan and people of Kashmir to be included as key stakeholders; wants Centre to clearly state agenda of talks.

Geelani’s aide Ashraf Sehrai says he won’t call back son Junaid from Hizbul Mujahideen, blames Indian authorities for youth taking up arms in J&K.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq says Modi govt lacks “Vajpayee approach”, paying lip service about holding talks.

'Intelligence inputs' suggest that Mian Abdul Qayoom is practising in high court without a valid degree, with support from separatists.

Calling for a political dialogue has become the default option for politicians and pundits every time the security situation in the Valley worsens. The optics of talks looks intended to be a healing touch in itself and ends up becoming a tactic to buy time. RAMA LAKSHMI