Malik's 'Safar-e-Azadi' on both sides of LoC from June

Srinagar, Apr 12 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Liberation front (JKLF) Chief Yasin Malik today said he will launch a four-phased peaceful rally -- ''Safar-e-Azadi (journey for independence)'' -- from June on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) to impress upon India and Pakistan to include the people in the decision-making process.

''The people are running out of patience vis-a-vis resolution of the Kashmir issue and feel humiliated. They want to take active part in the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan,'' Malik told a news conference here on his return from month-long tour of Pakistan.

He said the aim of the rally was to impress upon India and Pakistan to include the people on both sides of the LoC in the decision-making process.

The pro-independence leader said the first phase of the rally would be held in the Kashmir valley and start from the border district of Kupwara.

The second phase will be held in Jammu region, the third in Ladakh division and the fourth in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he added.

''It will take three to four months to cover the entire Valley.

The rally would cover each and every village and town of the state.

The journey will be undertaken in bus and by foot as well,'' the JKLF Chairman said.

He expressed the hope that the rally in the entire state would be peaceful and participated by majority of the people.

''We want to show to the world that the people of Jammu and Kashmir favour and support the ongoing peace and dialogue process, but at the same time want a say and participation in the decision-making process,'' Malik said.

He said it was up to both India and Pakistan to make efforts to restore confidence of the people in the ongoing peace process.

UNI AG YA PM1807