Srinagar, April 13: A two member delegation from Australia led by Australian High Commissioner to India, Brendan Hodgson, Tuesday, arrived in Srinagar to assess the latest political situation in the state.
Immediately after landing in Srinagar, Hodgson and second secretary of Australian High Commission in New Delhi, Sarah Kirlew, went to meet JKLF chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik at his Maisuma residence. They had one and half hour meeting during which Malik briefed the visiting delegations about the latest political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik, according to reports, also briefed them about the situation prevailing after the assassination of Jamiat-e-Ahlihadith President, Moualana Showkat Ahmad Shah, last week.
The JKLF chairman urged the visiting delegation that Australia should use their influence to urge New Delhi and Islamabad to involve the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the final resolution of Kashmir dispute.
“The delegation assured Malik that they would take up the issue with their government. The High Commissioner expressed condolence with Malik over the killing of Moulana Showkat,” reports said.
The JKLF leaders, Ghulam Rasool Eidi, Bahir Ahmad Bhat and Showkat Ahmad Bakshi were also present during the meeting.
Later the Australian diplomats visited Nigeen residence of Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, where they had a detailed meeting with him.
Reports said Mirwaiz briefed them about human rights violations in Kashmir.
Talking to this correspondent Mirwaiz confirmed that he met the Australian diplomats. “I told them how innocents are being victimized in Kashmir for raising voice for their political rights and how minors are being detained under PSA,” Mirwaiz said.
Bashir Assad