Yasin Malik is a liar, says Dr Shabir Chaudhry

LONDON: A London based nationalist Kashmiri activist has branded the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front leader Yasin Malik a "liar and dishonest" person after his name was mentioned before the judicial commission investigating the memo scandal on Monday.
Yasin Malik alleged that alongside Mansoor Ijaz, the central figure in the memo investigation, it was Dr Shabir Choudhry who tried to persuade him to meet Chander Sahay, then deputy director of RAW who went on to head India's premier spy outfit from 2003 until 2006.
Choudhary, the Director of Institute of Kashmir Affairs in London who attended the 2000 conference titled "Next Steps in Jammu and Kashmir: Give Peace A Chance" in New Delhi, told this correspondent that Mansoor Ijaz has stated the truth about the issue discussed in that conference.
"It is Yasin Malik who is telling lies. Apart form me there were many other Kashmiri leaders present in that conference and I solemnly and sincerely confirm that Mansoor Ijaz did not use foul language for the people of Kashmir," Choudhary said.
However, Choudhary said, Mansoor Ijaz said that Kashmir dispute should be resolved by a process of dialogue but because of "petro dollars" coming from the Middle Eastern states some people were hurdle in the way of peace process.
"Yasin Malik didn't like Ijaz's comments clearly but at no time Yasin Malik threw his shoe at Mansoor Ijaz."About his own alleged involvement, Dr Shabir Choudhry said; "I never asked Yasin Malik to meet RAW chief. I didn't know who RAW chief was anyway and had no contact with him."
Dr Shabir Choudhry said he would also write to the Chairman of the Memogate Commission so that his side of the story could also be heard.
Dr Shabir Choudhry said he would request the Commission that Yasin Malik has tarnished his name and reputation by implicating him in his "bundle of lies". "I should also be given an opportunity to put forward my side of the story. I am willing to travel to Islamabad on a short

notice and present my case. I strongly feel that the enquiry will not be complete without hearing my side."