Any talks on Kashmir must include Pakistan: Mirwaiz

Srinagar, Aug 24: Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday said any proposed talks on Jammu and Kashmir should involve all stakeholders including Pakistan.

Terming the unrest in the Kashmir Valley a "political problem" which requires a "political solution", the Mirwaiz told CNN News18 that all stakeholders, including Pakistan, should be included in any proposed talks over the Kashmir issue.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is on a two-day visit to Kashmir to interact with political leaders and people in a bid to restore normalcy in the valley.

Mirwaiz, who is leader of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference, said Indian authorities had got into the habit of blaming separatists for any trouble in the valley.

"It's always separatists, Pakistan or traitors who are blamed (for problems in the valley) and never the Indian establishment," he said.

Over 65 people have died in clashes with security forces since the July 8 killing of Hizbul leader Burhan Wani.

IANS