Search the Internet          Tips

Kashmiris call for easing of travel restrictions

Kashmiri representatives have welcomed the Indian government's unconditional dialogue offer to the separatist groups and made strong appeal to the leadership of Pakistan and India to ease travel restrictions on separated families.

The representatives, who met in Geneva on the sidelines of the 57th session of the Commission of Human Rights, felt that dialogue was essential for the final settlement of the 54-year-old issue, Ashok Bhan, one of the participants said in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting of the Kashmir leaders was attended by former Minister Prof S D Soz, Hurriyat leaders from Pakistan occupied Kashmir Ghulam Mohammed Safi, Altaf Hussain Qadri and Masood Tahir, Chaudhry Hussain, Pok minister and Prof Warikoo, besides Bhan, a Supreme Court lawyer.

It was organised by Syed Nazir Gilani, a london-based separatist leader, who is working for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

However, there were differences in approach regarding the settlement of the issue with the Hurriyat leaders feeling that the Indian government should not put restrictions on the five-member team's visit to Pakistan.

There was a general consensus that talks are the only way to find meaningful and purposeful solution to the long standing issue, Bhan said. The people of Jammu and Kashmir were fed up with violence and yearning for peace.

It was agreed that such meetings should continue in order to involve all sections of the people in the dialogue process. There was also a suggestion for starting trilateral talks on Kashmir to give a push to the peace process. The Indian government should also open a dialogue with Pakistan while remaining engaged with the separatist and other political groups.

Bhan said it was felt that Kashmiris based in Europe and other parts of the world should also be involved in the peace process so that a comprehensive solution is found.

UNI

The Kashmir Cease-Fire: The Complete Coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report