Believes in democratic ways of struggle: JeI

Jammu and Kashmir Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) today insisted on peaceful democratic ways to resolve the Kashmir issue, saying it did not support "armed struggle" to achieve the goal.
"Jamaat was never supportive of the armed struggle... neither in the past nor will it do in future. We believe in democratic ways of struggle even if we have to wait for 100 more years," newly elected 'Amir' (chief) of JeI Ghulam Mohammad Bhat told reporters here.
Bhat, who during his earlier tenure as the JeI chief had disowned Hizbul Mujahideen as the armed wing of Jamaat, said the constitution of the party did not allow underground activities.

"Our constitution is an open book. We have never taken up arms," he said, adding "we consider Kashmir as a dispute and will continue our peaceful struggle for resolution of the issue through peaceful democratic means."
Bhat, who was elected as the Amir for the fourth time last month, said Jamaat believes in resolution of Kashmir issue through implementation of UN resolutions or tripartite talks among India, Pakistan and people of Kashmir.
"Normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan is not possible without resolution of Kashmir issue. This is the biggest obstacle in resolution of other outstanding issues between the two countries," he said.

Asked why his party is continuously boycotting the elections even as its constitution allows it, the Jamaat chief said "we are not against elections provided these are held under the supervision of the UN."

Asked about reports that Jamaat supporters voted for ruling PDP during the last assembly elections especially in Kulgam, he said these are just allegations.
"Had our activists and supporters voted, the CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami's winning streak would not have continued," he added.
He claimed that appropriate action was taken against one or two party supporters who had taken part in the elections in Kulgam constituency despite a poll boycott call of the party.

Bhat said Jamaat is supportive of a "grand alliance" among the separatist organisations as well as religious groups and will continue its efforts in this connection.
He said his party also supports return of Kashmiri pandits who left their homes in early 1990's.
"The return of Kashmiri pandits to their homes is their right. We will welcome their return," he said but rejected the idea of separate colonies within the Valley for them.
Bhat also expressed concern over the situation in Muslim world especially the Middle East and Bangladesh and said "it is the outcome of a deep rooted conspiracy against Islam".