Hakeem for study of people's aspirations across LoC

Srinagar, July 23 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen today asked international NGO Pugwash to conduct an in-depth study of political aspirations of the people in both Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Addressing Pugwash conference at Sri Lankan capital Colombo, he expressed the hope that India, Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir would reach the ''distance of realisation'' which rested on collective vision and aspirations of people in the sub-continent.

Hakeem Yaseen, who is also the state Transport Minister, said leaders, elected representatives, economists, intellectuals and think tanks have great responsibilities and cannot afford to fail.

''The PDF feels that the resolution of the Kashmir problem will be meaningful only if it addresses the political aspirations of the people,'' he added.

The PDF chairman said past mistakes should not be repeated and promise of future should be grasped as fast as possible. ''Who would know the pain more than a Kashmiri who has seen graveyards at every few metres and mourning in every home?'' he added.

UNI