Search the Internet          Tips  Indo-Pak Summit

Kashmiris disappointed with summit failure

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

The failure of the summit is being seen by most Kashmiris as a defeat of a serious attempt to resolve the dispute through negotiation.

"We are fighting over the plumage and have forgotten the dying bird," said Srinagar resident Agha Ashraf, who is disappointed over the failure of the summit.

"We are suffering and everyday 15 Kashmiris are getting killed. I am shocked over the failure," he added.

"The failure of the summit and its inability to address the political aspect of the problem will lead to escalation of tension between the two countries and also escalation of violence in the state," said Mohammad Abdullah, a college lecturer.

"I am upset," was the first reaction of the chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Prof Abdul Gani Bhat on Tuesday morning.

"All peace loving people should feel upset about the failure of the summit," he added.

He said that the talks failed because of the failure to 'recognise the political reality and peoples' beat of heart'.

A senior police officer said that the security forces are preparing for a difficult time ahead. He added that the ground situation is worsening with 'each passing day'.

Senior separatist leader and the chairman of the National Front Naeem Ahmad said, "I don't think the summit was a failure. I am sure the next meeting between the two leaders will be exclusively on Kashmir and how to resolve this problem."

In Lal chowk shopkeepers gathered round a roadside tea shop are busy discussing the reasons for failure of the summit.

"I think Prime Minister Vajpayee wanted to solve the issue. But people around him sabotaged the effort. There is still hope. Vajpayee Sahib will initiate fresh measures to resume dialogue with Pakistan," said Mehraj-ud-Din, a fruit seller.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report