PDP says ready to share platform with Hizb

Islamabad, Mar 30 (UNI) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a key ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, today said it was ready to share a platform with all the militant groups, especially the Hizbul Mujahideen, to evolve a broader consensus on the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

''I would like to share a platform with the representatives of all the separatist and militant groups, especially the Hizbul Mujahideen, to evolve a broader consensus on the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue,'' PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, while making a presentation on ''Prospects for Kashmir and Indo-Pak Relations'' at the two-day Pugwash conclave on regional stability here.

She said the long-festering Kashmir problem has brought ''catastrophic disaster'' to the people of the state and marred the region's economic growth.

The Hizbul Mujahideen is the single largest indigenous militant group active in Jammu and Kashmir. The group, at present operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir capital Muzaffarabad, has a large number of cadres from the state.

UNI XC SYU DB1904