Tribune News ServiceNew Delhi, February 14
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has embarked on an ambitious proposal to discuss the Kashmir issue with both mainstream parties and separatist outfits at a specially convened round-table conference on February 24.
Prime Minister’s Media Adviser Sanjaya Baru said the conference would be held on February 24 in New Delhi. Invitations for the conference were being sent to all mainstream political parties as well as separatist groups.
The conference is scheduled barely a week before US President George W. Bush’s visit to the country. It is understood that most invitees, including separatist leaders, would be attending the round-table meeting despite some reservations.
The Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will take a decision on attending the conference after a meeting of its executive.
JKLF leader Yasin Malik, who will be meeting the Prime Minister on February 17, is likely to attend the conference.
Mr Yasin Malik has been advocating independence for Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK and northern areas. However, some change in Mr Malik’s pro-independence stand was sought to be engineered by Pakistan when he visited Islamabad last year.
