Saifuddin Soz hints at resumption of Kashmir peace talks

Sherri (Jammu and Kashmir) Nov 18 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress chief Saifuddin Soz has hinted that talks with separatist leaders might be renewed soon.

Interacting with the media here, Soz said consultations were on with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, (APHC) and they were at an advanced stage.

"Dialogue has already been on, sometimes it is on the front burner and sometime it is on the back burner...but dialogue is already on and there are many actors who are involved in this...my information is that Hurriyat will join the dialogue and talk to Delhi," Soz said.

"Congress party, both at the central and state level, shall facilitate vigorous dialogue, so in that case Congress party has the big role and I said that Prime Minister's doors are open for all hues of Jammu and Kashmir state including the leaders of Hurriyat camp. So whatever the Hurriyat says it is for them to decide but I can say that the government of India is very serious about it," he added.

Earlier, the APHC had demanded New Delhi to pull out troops, release prisoners and end human rights violations before resuming peace talks.

Dialogue between the government and APHC broke down in 2006. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered to resume talks last month during a visit to Kashmir. (ANI)