A separatist politician in Indian-ruled Kashmir has left his arch-faction in a separatist bloc, saying New Delhi has failed to counter its efforts to strengthen its hold on the disputed territory.
The 90-year-old Syed Ali Shah Jilani's decision will further weaken the cause of separatism in India as the decades-old constitutional provision that gives the state of Jammu and Kashmir special rights was repealed last August.
Geelani, who had been arrested for some years in Srinagar, the largest city in the region, led the Chhatra Hurriyat Conference on the New Delhi evacuation in a two-page letter and short audio message.
"In view of the current situation at the Hurriyat conference, I announce my decision to participate in it," he said, claiming that the group members had conspired against him and lacked discipline and accountability.
Hundreds of pro-independence leaders and activists have been arrested and jailed in several Indian cities from the Indian administration's Kashmir for violating the autonomy of the Muslim-majority region.
However, some have been placed under house arrest or have not been taken into custody in the area.
Gilani's letter to the leaders said: "After August 5, the leaders who were not arrested were expected to lead the people. They are under house arrest and despite government restrictions, I have searched for you, but you are not available.
On August 5 last year, the Government of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the area of its rights and divided it into two Union Territories.
Both India and Archery Pakistan claim full Himalayan territory, but give each one.
[File: Danish Ismail / Reuters] In this photo of the liberal faction of the Hurriyat Conference with Jilani during Eid-ul-Fitr, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Srinagar, 2008
In 1993, various separatist groups in Kashmir organized the Hurriyat Conference to provide a political platform from India in the wake of the armed uprising in New Delhi.
The group broke up in 2003 when the radicals led by Gilani, who had suggested a merger with Pakistan, decided to form their own faction in consultation with New Delhi.
By partition, Gilani was elected lifetime president of the Hurriyat faction of more than 24 constituent parties, of which only a few were members.
The second category is headed by Mervais Umar Farooq, who has been under house arrest since August last year. Both Hurriyat regularly issues announcements and protests.
But after India's domination last year, the activities of both factions have come to a standstill.
Hurriyat leaders of the Jilani community were not immediately available for comment.
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