Mirwaiz Hurriyat rejects third round-table on JK

Sumbal (Kashmir), Apr 18: The Hurriyat Conference, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, today declined the Centre's invitation to participate in the third round-table conference on Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi on April 24, and instead asked India to hold a similar conclave of leaders from both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).

''We reject the third round-table conference. If India is serious in resolving the Kashmir issue, it should call a round-table conference of leaders from both the sides of the LoC. We will definitely participate in that,'' the moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman told a public meeting here.

The Mirwaiz said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and leaders of different parties from both parts of Jammu and Kashmir should be invited to that conclave.

''We are ready to take party in any round-table that is attended by leaders from both the sides of the LoC and has on its agenda the vital issues of demilitarisation and joint management,'' he added.

Mirwaiz Farooq said the round-table conference of mainstream political parties has no agenda and was going to discuss the administrative matters such as funds for the widows and orphans.

To discuss those matters, there were political parties such as the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress, but not the Hurriyat Conference, he added.

''We are not opposed to dialogue, but it should be meaningful and result-oriented and include all the three basic parties to the dispute -- India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The talks should not be held for the purpose of talks,'' he asserted.

The Hurriyat Chairman said the separatist amalgam was ready to take part in any such process aimed at finding an amicable and durable solution to the long-festering Kashmir issue.

UNI