'Between Love And Lunatic Asylum'

We need a wonder like Taj Mahal again," says Hurriyat conference chairman AbdulGani Bhat when asked about the forthcoming Indo-Pak summit being held in Agra.

"Though I don't expect miracles during the meeting between prime minister AtalBehari Vajpayee and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, I still hope they make a wonderlike Shah Jahan did in the 17th century," Bhat told PTI in New Delhi today.

He said there could not have been a better venue than Agra for such crucial talks as "it needs a blessing fromthe historic wonder itself and hopefully the two leaders live up to the message spread from the epitome of love."

"Frankly saying, Kashmiris need a replica of Taj Mahal from the two leaders and hopefully the meeting pavesway for involvement of Kashmiris in future talks," Bhat said.

However, Bhat said it would be a choice between "love" and "lunatic asylum" forIndia and Pakistan during the forthcoming talks.

"Well they have a choice. Either they stick to the 17th century epitome of love(Taj Mahal) or the lunatic asylum which is in its vicinity," he said.

Asked what could be the possible venue if Vajpayee and Musharraf agreed to meet theHurriyat leaders in response to the letter written by the amalgam, Bhat said with a smile"Delhi is fine for us." the Hurriyat chairman said this could be possible"only if and when the dispute constituting threat to these issues wasaddressed."

Asked when the Hurriyat leaders expected to meet Vajpayee and Gen Musharraf, Bhatsaid "anytime. Either before summit or after."

When asked about his reaction to the statement by prime minister in Manalilast month denying the Hurriyat leaders meeting with Musharraf, the Hurriyatchairman said "we dont have to go by statements. We have to consider thesituation as it is existing. The two leaders are, hopefully, seized of it."

To a question what if Vajpayee declined to meet them while Musharraf agreed, Bhatsaid "though I am optimistic about the results, I am still prepared for theworst. Well, if Pakistani president responds, there is no harm in meeting." 

Brushing off speculations about any rift within the conglomerate, the Hurriyatchairman said that the amalgam had decided on this move during the executivemeeting of June 13 with complete consensus.