2006, a year of "make or break" for Kashmir, Mirwaiz'

Srinagar, Mar 27 (UNI) Accusing India and Pakistan of going slow on Kashmir issue, chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Omar Farooq said the year 2006 is '' make or break''.

If we fail to make any breakthrough during this year it will be a big tragedy, the Mirwaiz said while addressing World Social Forum conference at Karachi, a statement issued here today said.

He said India and Pakistan were going very slow on the the Kashmir issue. The process should be made more speedy and result- oriented, he added, he also demanded removal of all security force camps from cities and towns and their (security forces) phased withdrawal.

He said, ''Pakistan and the people of Kashmir have shown flexibility in their stand but India has yet to respond. India was not sincere to find a peaceful resolution of the issue.'' All special powers to security forces must be withdrawn, custodial and fake encounters stopped and all detenues released, he added.

He said people living on both sides of the Line of Control must be allowed to meet each other without any restrictions after removing all the fabricated walls.

Politicians from both sides should be allowed to meet more often to make the dialogue process more meaningful, the Mirwaiz said.

He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had to find a solution to the Kashmir issue on their own without depending on the world powers.

Resolution of the Kashmir issue, after taking into consideration the sacrifices made by people of the state, will gauantee lasting peace int he sub-continent, he added.

UNI BAS AK GC2039