UK's FAC to meet Kashmiri politicians, separatists for discussion

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) The Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) of United Kingdom's House of Commons will tomorrow hold discussions with political leaders and separatists from Kashmir and experts on the vexed issue.

The seven-member FAC, led by Chairman Mike Gapes of the Labour Party, is visiting India and Pakistan in preparation for a wide- ranging report on South Asia, including on India's emerging role, and UK policy.

National Conference President Omar Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig and CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami will attend the meet.

Separatists Moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yaseen Malik will participate in the discussion besides Prof Radha Kumar from the Jamia Millia Islamia University and Kashmir Times Editor Ved Bhasin.

''Besides these we are expecting a few more people... but they have not confirmed so far,'' an official said.

The meeting will discuss political and economic developments in Kashmir since the 2002 elections, state of the India-Pakistan peace process, including impact of CBMs in Kashmir, Centre-state relations and the Prime Minister's dialogue with separatist parties, Regional profiles and intra-regional relations in the state, militancy and role of the security forces, human rights and the situation of Kashmiri Pandit and other refugees.

Besides Mr Gapes, the FAC comprises Labour Party's Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Eric Illsley and Ms Sandra Osborne, Mr John Horam from the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrat Paul Keetch.

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