Kashmir issue into a phase of resolution: Mirwaiz

Jammu, Jan 23 (UNI) All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today said the Kashmir issue has entered into ''a phase of resolution and needs due attention from the parties involved''.

''No body knows the ultimate solution to the Kashmir issue but more than that it is the progress towards resolution, which is important,'' the Mirwaiz, who has extended his stay in Pakistan, told UNI over phone.

''The peace process needs be institutionalised and consolidated efforts are required to solve the imbroglio,'' he said.

The leader of moderate faction of separatists outrightly rejected the ''formulation of imposing conditions before talks''.

''Talks should not depend on the last gun to fall silent in the state,'' he said, asserting, moving forward simultaneously can help yield some headway in solving the issue.

The Hurriyat leader, however, stressed on initiating a dialogue with the Muzaffarabad-based United Jehad Council (UJC), an umbrella group of militant outfits active in Jammu and Kashmir.

''Kashmir is not only a strategic, but a political and humanitarian issue too.

''It was initially a political issue... guns came only after 1989,'' the Mirwaiz said, and added that the amalgam was not in the power game but it just stands for the political resolution of the Kashmir issue.

On extension of his stay in Pakistan, he said, ''We are discussing the issue with all shades of opinions in Pakistan, and want to acquaint them with our opinion in the contemporary context.'' The Hurriyat leader was all praise for Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

''One must acknowledge the boldness, the way, Pakistan President has put forward his four-point formula even though this is not in line with the sentiment of the people in Pakistan.'' The Mirwaiz urged India to reciprocate equally to the ''political will shown by President Musharraf''.

A person, who has an in-depth knowledge about the ground realities in the strife-torn state and Pakistan would fully understand the changes keeping in mind the historical perspective, he said, adding, ''This time, I believe is a golden opportunity for all the parties to put an end to the miseries of the people of Kashmir.'' UNI