Do not events allow to derail the peace process, Omar to India-Pak

Srinagar, July 17 (UNI) Urging India and Pakistan to continue the dialogue process and foil the evil designs of those who want to derail it, Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq said any move to discontinue peace process at this stage would be ''very unfortunate.'' If India pull out from the peace process, it will provide an opportunity to those who want to derail it, the Mirwaiz told reporters after about three-hour-long Executive Council (EC) meeting at the Rajbagh headquarter here this afternoon.

He said ever since India, Pakistan and people of the Jammu and Kashmir started peace process, attempts were being made by some ''elements'' to put hurdles.

''There are elements in India, Pakistan and within the Jammu and Kashmir who, for their self interests, are opposed to the process,'' he said, adding these elements do not want the Kashmir issue to be resolved.

''What happened in Mumbai was an inhuman act which must be condemned by all in strongest terms,''he said,but urged the leadership in India and Pakistan to not make it an excuse to pull out from the peace process.'' If it happens it will be very unfortunate,'' he reiterated.

He said the leadership in India, Pakistan and Kashmir have great responsibility to take forward the gains achieved during all these three years of dialogue process.

India should hold talks with Pakistan and people of the Jammu and Kashmir with sincerity, to find a lasting solution to the issue. he said.

About the statement of Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee ruling out withdrawal of troops from the state, the Mirwaiz noted senior security force officers have recently said that there are just 1500 militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

''There is no need to keep lakhs of security forces against 1500 militants, ''he remarked.

There could be no military solution to the Kashmir issue, a fact which India, Pakistan and the leadership in the state have accepted, he said, adding they should now work for a political and peaceful resolution to the vexed issue.

''A political solution is possible once India, Pakistan and people of the Jammu and Kashmir sit across the table, ''he said.

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