Kashmir Economic Forum (KEF) has welcomed the talks between a five-member delegation led by former external affairs minister Yashwant Sinha with top Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat.
KEF Chairman Showkat Chowdhary said deliberations with the Indian delegation is a welcome step and could pay way for the talks between Hurriyat leaders and Government of India.
Chowdhary said government of India should take cue this delegation and start engaging Hurriyat in a meaningful dialogue to end the logjam and find the permanent solution to the Kashmir issue.
“Government of India can’t brush aside Kashmir’s historical perspective. People here are not protesting for jobs or development but for the permanent solution to the Kashmir issue,” said Chowdhary.
He said unresolved Kashmir issue has disturbed peace not only in Kashmir but in South Asia.
Chowdhary expressed optimism on the talks between the delegation led by Sinha and Hurriyat leaders.
“We are hopeful that these talks are not the last one but Government of India would reciprocate this gesture. We are hopeful that this could lead to a major breakthrough. Government of India should seriously carry the dialogue process forward,” he said.
KEF said besides holding talks, State government should release of all political leaders from jails, withdraw cases against youth and end use of pellets and crackdowns.
“State government should stop raiding the houses of youth and arresting them. Government should release the Hurriyat leaders and engage with them in meaningful and sincere talks. Thousands of the youth who were arrested should also be released and PSA slapped on them should also be withdrawn,” said KEF Chairman.
“There is not any other option to resolve issues. We welcome the initiatives taken by the Sinha-led delegation,” he said.