Hold talks with separatists on Kashmir, PDF and Communist to PM

Srinagar, Apr 4: The Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) and CPI(M) in Jammu and Kashmir have urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to initiate a dialogue with the separatists who have not yet joined the process so far.

Addressing public meetings in the central Kashmir district of Badgam after their return from Pakistan, the PDF chairman and minister Hakim Mohamamd Yaseen and state secretary of the CPI(M) Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said efforts should be made for holding of talks with the separatists before the next Round Table conference being held here in May so that every shade of opinion is involved in the on going dialogue process.

Mr Hakim complemented Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf for creating an atmosphere for meaningful peace process in which all shades of opinion have been provided equal opportunity to put forth their view point in a free and fair manner.

He said the recently held Round Table conference at New Delhi and Pugwash conference at Islamabad is clear indication that peace process is getting roots and resolution of the issues through dialogue is the only way to address the problems.

Mr Hakim said it was for the first time that leaders from Kashmir put up their views in Pakistan and also heard the viewpoints of their counterparts.

Calling for a time bound peace process, he said the dream of Khushal Kashmir can only be realised when a meaningful dialogue process results in success.

Mr Tarigami while commending the on going dialogue process for resolving Kashmir issue said the issue is not about political upmanship or governance but a human problem where people want their right to live with dignity.

''We should work for the dignified return of those youth who have crossed over to the other side and are repenting,'' he added.

He said people of the state want peace and both India and Pakistan should work for a durable and lasting peace process as then only an era of progress and development could usher in the state.

UNI

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