Srinagar: The moderate faction of separatist Hurriyat Conference and conglomerate of militant outfits -- United Jehad Council -- crossed swords for the first time over calls for poll boycott in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a strong message on Friday, acting chairman of Hurriyat Conference Maulana Abbas Ansari said the "diktats" of UJC chairman and Hizbul Mujahideen terror group head Syed Sallahuddin for a poll boycott were not acceptable.
"We do not recognise UJC. They are carrying swords. We do not accept diktats," Ansari, who is officiating as chairman in absence of the Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, said. The Mirwaiz is undergoing treatment in national capital for slip disc.
Terming the militant conglomerate as confused, he said the UJC adapted different standards for assembly and general elections.
The UJC did not interfere in 2008 assembly polls whereas now they are asking people to boycott, Ansari said, adding the Hurriyat has left the decision about elections to peoples' "conscience". Hurriyat's moderate faction has for the first time in 13 years decided not to give a call to people to stay away from polls.
Hurriyat has maintained that elections have nothing to do with the resolution of Kashmir issue. "Elections are for day to day governance and development. For us in Hurriyat Conference, holding elections is non-issue," Ansari said.
UJC on Wednesday had attacked the stand of Hurriyat alleging "those who claim that polls have nothing to do with freedom movement are deceiving people".