Kashmir government to initiate talks with separatists

Srinagar, Mar 14 (ANI): Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has said that the National Conference was ready to talk to separatists after the upcoming general elections.

"Either now or after the elections, the Chief Minister will open the negotiation channel with separatists so that new ideas will be floated for settlement of the state," Abdullah told reporters after the customary Friday prayers in Srinagar.

The National Conference and Congress party defied a separatist boycott to win the election in the disputed region in January and forged a coalition government.

Many Kashmiris saw the victory a hopeful sign that some deal could be reached to help end a conflict that has provoked two of India and Pakistan's three wars. (ANI)