M A I N   N E W S

Hurriyat for talks only on Kashmir

Srinagar, October 24
The All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) today said it was ready to hold negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, provided they were Kashmir-centric and Pakistan was involved at a later stage.

‘’We welcome the talks offer as we firmly believe that all issues could be resolved only through meaningful dialogue amicably,’’ former Hurriyat Conference chairman Moulvi Omar Farooq told a Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid here.

‘’The conflicting statements by the Central leaders only show that the Indian leadership has still not made up its mind to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the vexed issue which has threatened peace not only in the subcontinent but in South Asia,’’ he said.

He was referring to today’s statement of Mr Advani in New Delhi that talks with the Hurriyat would be held for decentralisation of power. He said: ‘’We have not made sacrifices for the chief ministership, employment, construction of roads or other benefits but to see Kashmiris get their due.’’

He said the talks offer made by the Centre was unconditional and ‘’we welcome it.’’ ‘’We cannot be part of the negotiations which are not Kashmir-centric,’’ he remarked.

The Hurriyat leadership, which met here yesterday, believed that the Kashmir issue could be resolved only through talks, he said. ‘’But talks for what? ...we are not ready to hold talks for the government but to see that the conflict is over and peace is restored in Jammu and Kashmir, which is possible only when we hammer out a lasting solution,’’ he said.

War, violence and repressive measures would not help restore lasting peace in the state, he said. ‘’We know dialogue is the only way to find a lasting solution to the issue but at the same time we cannot be part of the process which will take us nowhere. If India takes one step we are ready to respond with 10 steps.’’ he added.

He said it was time now that all breakaway group of the Hurriyat and other separatist groups joined hands together and moved forward. The Hurriyat favoured tripartite talks involving Pakistan. ‘’We suggested that we will talk to India first and later to Pakistan to find a way out,’’ he said and added the talks could be held in a phased manner. — UNI