Peace in South Asia linked to Kashmir resolution: Mirwaiz

Srinagar, Apr 6 (UNI) Moderate Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today said peace, political stability and economic progress in South Asia could be possible only after a solution to the Kashmir issue was found on equitable and permanent basis.

Addressing a Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid here, the Mirwaiz described his recent meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in New Delhi as successful and fruitful.

''Mr Aziz reiterated his government's stand that the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be of prime importance in the dialogue process between India and Pakistan,'' he said.

The concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir would not be ignored at any cost, the Mirwaiz quoted the Pakistan Prime Minister as having told him.

The people would like SAARC to be strengthened so that South Asia was developed on the lines of European Union where the concept of borders has been diluted to the extent that the entire Europe functions as a unit in socio-economic fields,'' he added.

He expressed the hope that the SAARC leadership and especially that of India and Pakistan would rise to the occasion and adopt a positive attitude so that all the long-pending issues, Jammu and Kashmir, was resolved to the acceptability of the parties concerned.

The Hurriyat Chairman said Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has shown the required flexibility and come forward with solid proposals in this regard.

''It is unfortunate that India still seems to be the captive of old rigid mindset due to which the ongoing dialogue process is moving on a snail's pace,'' he added.

Mr Mirwaiz condemned the unwarranted arrests and the alleged harassment of Kashmiri students in Bangalore, and expressed sympathies with the victims and their parents.

UNI