Centre evaded talks with Pakistan on Kashmir: Hurriyat

Srinagar, Aug 25: Moderate Hurriyat Conference today accused the Centre of "evading" the NSA-level talks with Pakistan by refusing to discuss Kashmir, an issue it described as the main reason for the "huge trust deficit" between the two countries.

"India's attempt to evade talks on Kashmir issue was extremely unfortunate, imprudent and contrary to the historical, political and ground realities of Jammu and Kashmir," the Hurriyat said in a statement after its meeting at the residence of Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq here.

Terming the Kashmir dispute as the "core issue" between the two countries, Hurriyat said it was the main reason for the "huge trust deficit" between the two countries.

It said little progress could be made towards normalisation of bilateral ties and resolution of other issues till the Kashmir issue was resolved, "taking the aspirations of the people of state into consideration."

The separatist conglomerate said, "The Kashmir dispute has always been the focal point of any discussion between the two countries and the Kashmir leadership since 1947.

"From Tashkent to Ufa, countless deliberations have been held between them to move towards the resolution of the dispute. Besides, the issue stands alive at the United Nations where many resolutions have been passed in this connection and several rounds of talks held," the statement said.

PTI