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Day 1 evokes mixed reactions in Pakistan

K J M Varma in Islamabad

The news of progress in the historic Agra Summit between Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday evoked mixed response in Pakistan.

While the militant groups stuck to their stand that there was little hope of any substantial progress that could be made on Kashmir, first reactions from other quarters appeared positive.

When contacted for a reaction, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin said, "The last 53 years witnessed many bilateral agreements between the two countries, which failed to achieve any progress on Kashmir issue."

"There cannot be any progress till India is not prepared for tripartite talks and accept Kashmir as a disputed territory," he added.

"If India was serious in resolving the Kashmir problem it should grant the right of self-determination to Kashmiris," Salahuddin said.

Another militant group Lashkar-e-Tayiba has declined to react to the reports of progress at the summit.

The progress, however, received positive appreciation from former prime minister and president of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Sardar Qayyum, who said that Musharraf-Vajpayee summit has his full support.

He said the chances of resolving the Kashmir issue were bright as the military was at the helm of affairs in Pakistan.

"It would be a political suicide for both the countries if they failed to clinch a deal at Agra," he said.

There also appeared to be a general sense of expectation among the Pakistan public as reports of progress of the talks poured in from Agra.

Streets in Islamabad wore a deserted look as people were glued to the television to watch the live telecast of summit proceedings.

PTI

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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