Emissary row: Saraf denies carrying message from BJP

Geelani on Friday claimed that Modi had sent two emissaries to him and the separatist leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to create a "soft corner" for BJP by making a "commitment" to seek a solution to Kashmir issue.

Geelani has not named the emissaries so far. The meeting allegedly took place in Delhi on March 22. The separatist leader also claimed that the emissaries had called on other separatist leaders who were now pinning hopes with the NDA coming to power for resolution of Kashmir issue.

Rubbishing Geelani's claims, senior BJP leader Lalji Tandon said tat Modi did not send any emissary to anyone, calling his remark as unfortunate. "Geelani comes across as if Geelani is wearing the Congress mask," he said, adding, "whenever the time comes, Modi and BJP will talk about the Kashmir issue."

Congress leader Rashid Alvi said truth should come out.

LJP leader Ramvilas Paswan said Kashmir issue is a "serious" matter and it is discussed during meetings between leaders of BJP and his party with the separatists.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah yesterday questioned the secrecy behind the move and asked the hardline separatist leader to identify the pointsmen to establish who was "lying".

Geelani's claims invited denials from the Jamaat-e-Islami and the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference with the latter accusing the hardline leader of deliberately making statements aimed at creating confusion among people.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of the moderate faction, advised Geelani to shun the "holier than thou" attitude as holding talks with stakeholders on the Kashmir issue did not tantamount to a sell out.