Hurriyat sets terms to resume dialogue

26 Aug, 2004

The moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference said that talks with New Delhi can resume only after it accepts its three demands, which include unconditional talks with no bar of constitution, talks only on Kashmir issue, and involvement of Pakistan in the process.
Named as 3Ds, the Hurriyat Conference said these three demands are key to resume dialogue and resolve the Kashmir imbroglio for posterity, Kashmir Times reported.
The decision to put forth these demands was taken in an extraordinary joint session of the Hurriyat Executive Council, Working Committee and General Council. It was attended by 16 constituents, including four executive council members and chaired by caretaker Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
The Hurriyat leaders said they are not averse to talks and feels that Kashmir issue can only be settled by peaceful negotiations.
"If the Centre is really sincere in carrying the dialogue process forward it should come clean and accept these three demands", the Hurriyat leaders said.
It was also underscored that if the Centre accepts the 3Ds still the dialogue can be held only after the erstwhile executive council of the conglomerate is restored.
"We are currently busy in our unity efforts and several separatist organisations, including JKLF, Democratic Freedom Party, and People's League have been approached. A two-member committee comprising Nazir Ahmad Ronga and Ghulam Mohammad Bhat has already approached the parties. They have sought time and hopefully, by the end of this week a meeting would be held so that unity is formed and erstwhile executive council is restored", said the Hurriyat leaders.
It also discussed the forthcoming Indo-Pak foreign ministers-level talks in New Delhi. "These talks are very important. We are hoping for a breakthrough. It will also send positive signals", said the Hurriyat leaders.

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