I hope Hurriyat, others will participate in next roundtable

Srinagar, May 25 (UNI) ''I am not an astrologer. I cannot predict the mindset of anybody, but I have not lost hope that ultimately decent and good sense will prevail on all those who favour peaceful resolution of all the problems confronting Jammu and Kashmir,'' Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today.

Dr Singh was responding to a question if he expected the participation of Hurriyat and other separatist leaders in the next round table, at a press conference following the end of the second round-table conference here.

He regretted that despite giving an impression of their participation in the second round-table, the Hurriyat and other separatist leaders did not take part in the meet.

''I did meet with the Hurriyat friends. They came and saw me as a group. I also had meetings with individual members. They left me with an impression that they were in favour of carrying forward the ongoing dialogue process.

I did mention to them that I was going to have a round-table conference in Srinagar in May and even gave them the dates. They (separatists) distinctly left me with an impression, though not with absolute finality, that they would consider participating in this meet,'' the Prime Minister said.

''That they have not done is a matter of regret. But, I am hopeful that all of them would come together to make efforts for resolution of all the problems,'' he added.

Dr Singh expressed the hope that those who chose to stay away from the conference would participate in future meetings.

''I do hope that they (separatists) will recognise that it is to their advantage and to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that we must move on to wisdom, knowledge and experience that is available in this beautiful state to put an end to this sad chapter of the past,'' the Prime Minister said.

UNI AG VD RAI2018