JKDF urges India-Pak to take concrete measures on Kashmir

New Delhi, Apr 13 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Front today urged India and Pakistan to take concrete measures to resolve the Kashmir issue to end ''human tragedies'' in the state.

''Time has come to make the much-needed breakthrough on this most crucial issue. Concrete steps should be taken in that direction,'' JKDF chief Bhushan Bazaz said at a seminar -- Towards Peaceful Settlement of the Kashmir issue -- organised by the Nationalist Democratic Party.

''I am hopeful that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gillani will not disappoint the people,'' he added.

He said there was a need to make a tangible movement forward leading to visible impact on the ground.

Pandit Bazaz said people in the state had suffered immensely due to militant violence for the past 18 years.

Appealing to mainstream and separatist leaders to rise above party lines, he said all should work towards resolving the vexed issue.

''People should not try to outdo each other or indulge in mudslinging rather they should work honestly towards finding a workable formula for the imbroglio,'' he added.

The JKDF chief said some ''vested interested'' were deliberately allowing the violence to continue in the state.

''Bloodshed allows them to earn their livelihood,'' he added.

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