Separatists say poll can't solve Kashmir problem

the Kashmir issue cannot be resolved by an election and they will continue their struggle until the Kashmiris achieve theirright to self-determination.

"No election can resolve the Kashmir issue," chairman of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said, addressing a gathering on the fourth day ceremonyof slain Hurriyat leader Shiekh Abdul Aziz here.

Chairman of the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani said, "Our struggle is for the right to self-determination. We will continue it until we achieve our goal." Reiterating the demand for opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot roads for trade, Farooq said the separatists' coordination committee will meet tomorrow to decide on the future course of action. He also called for revocation of the Disturbed Areas Act and ArmedForces Special Powers Act.

The committee is an amalgam of both factions of Hurriyat Conference, the J.K.L.F., Dukhtaran-e-Millat, Jamiat-e-Ahli Hadees, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, traders' federations andemployees unions.