Hold serious dialogue with Pak, Kashmiri leadership: Bazaz

Srinagar, Nov 26 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Forum (JKDF) president Pandit Bhushan Bazaz today urged India to hold serious dialogue with Pakistan and the separatist leadership to resolve the contentious issue.

In a statement here, Pandit Bazaz stressed for finding a lasting and amicable resolution of the Kashmir issue and return of peace with dignity to the strife-torn state.

''The time is ripe to find a solution to the Kashmir problem. I think the situation is better now. Every Kashmiri leader wants peace...but with dignity,'' he added.

The JKDF chief said the 9/11 terror attacks in the US have played a great role in shaping new thinking among the Kashmiri leadership.

''There has been a new and serious thinking in Kashmir on finding an alternative solution,'' he added.

Pandit Bazaz said Pakistan was also keen to resolve the Kashmir issue. ''Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf also seems keen to find a way out before he steps down next year. It is time for India to talk to Pakistan and also the Kashmiri leadership in a serious manner,'' he added.

''Pakistan is a major factor in the resolution of the Kashmir issue as levels of violence remained on the other side of the border. I must say the governing body of violence is on the other side of the Line of Control,'' Pandit Bazaz said.

However, the JKDF chief said the ultimate solution to the vexed issue has to be thrashed between New Delhi and Srinagar while keeping Islamabad on board.

UNI AG YSS PK RK1720