Mirwaiz says ready to raise funds for UN group's office

As the Centre asked United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to vacate government accommodation in New Delhi, separatists say the move will not affect the nature of Kashmir dispute.

The separatists have gone a step ahead and said if the UN has financial issues in running offices in New Delhi and Kashmir, they would raise funds for it by asking people of Jammu and Kashmir to donate generously.

"Kashmir dispute is internationally recognised and government of India's action against UNMOGIP in New Delhi in no way will affect the dispute," moderate separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said addressing people at Jamia Masjid.

"Only solution of Kashmir dispute is its resolution in accordance with wishes of people of Jammu and Kashmir," Mirwaiz said. He added, "if the UN was short of funds to run its' offices people of Jammu and Kashmir would raise funds for it."

Though opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the accession of Jammu and Kashmir was final but the decision to ask the UNMOGIP to vacate its office will not impact the situation in Kashmir.

"There is Kashmir problem which would not disappear by such isolated decisions. It has to be basket of decisions as was started by Vajpayee and Modi is committed to follow," PDP spokesman Naeem Akhtar said.

National Conference leader and political secretary of the Chief Minister, Tanvir Sadiq said that UNMOGIP have failed over the years to stop the cease fire violations from across the border.