Cong distances itself from Mani Shankar Aiyar

New Delhi: The Congress today distanced itself from senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s meeting with the leaders of the Hurriyat conference, saying that it was his personal matter. Talking to reporters here, AICC senior spokesperson Anand Sharma said,’’who a person meets is his or her personal matter and his individual opinion.’’ Mr Aiyar, who was in Srinagar to attend a programme organised by an NGO, met separatist leader Shabir Shah and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq yesterday to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir. 

In reply to a question whether talks should be held with Hurriyat conference, Mr Sharma said the Congress had not taken the side of Hurriyat. ''If the Government has any proof that Hurriyat is being funded by Pakistan, strict action should be taken against them,’’he said. He also termed this Government’s policy on Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan as a ‘disaster.’ 

‘’The Government’s policy on Pakistan is a diplomatic disaster. For the Prime Minister, it is just a photo opportunity,’’he said. He also accused the government of not taking any step to restore peace in the valley. (UNI)