J-K wants Omar to fulfill promises: Geelani

Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference's hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani has justified the election boycott call given by the separatists.

Speaking to CNN-IBN in Srinagar Geelani reminded National Conference President Omar Abdullah of the huge weight of expectations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

CNN-IBN: Omar Abdullah is going to be the next chief minister. He is 38 and young. Any advice for him?

Syed Ali Shah Geelani: As far as Omar Abdullah is concerned, he is a young man. I think in the history of Jammu and Kashmir he is the youngest person who is going to become the chief minister of the state if it happens. They have promised people and they are expecting that the promises will be fulfilled. In the elections they have got the vote for good governance and for resolving the problems of the people.

CNN-IBN: A lot of people are examining the self-rule and autonomy vision of National Conference as an attempt to take over your agenda. How you do reposition yourself in terms of relevance now?

Syed Ali Shah Geelani: This is not our agenda. The basic thing is that the right to self determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That is the bottom line.

CNN-IBN: In retrospect do you think the election boycott was a mistake?

Syed Ali Shah Geelani: No not at all. The boycott was also side by side. People have faced cane charges, tear gases, firing etc.

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