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Abdullah willing to hold talks with Hurriyat

In a major development in the peace initiative launched by former law minister Ram Jethmalani, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Saturday assured him of holding a dialogue with the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference without any condition.

During his 90-minute meeting, Abdullah apprised the Kashmir Committee headed by Jethmalani of various offers made by his government during the last six years.

"I have told the Committee to convey to Hurriyat leadership that he is willing to hold talks and was even willing to hear their conditions for participation in the polls," Abdullah said after the meeting.

He conveyed to the Committee, which on Friday held talks with separatist leader Shabir Shah, that the state government was serious about the participation of separatist outfits in the coming assembly election in the state.

"The essence of democracy is that people will punish you when you do not cater to their problems. Nobody is permanently glued to the seat of power. The state has seen enough bloodshed and we hope some efforts will be made by Hurriyat and other separatist leaders to end the cycle of violence," Abdullah said.

He said the state government was willing to go an 'extra mile' to resolve differences with separatist leaders. "I hope the Committee will get an assurance from the Hurriyat Conference and other separatist on this offer," Abdulalh said.

Also See:
Kashmir Committee a 'tamasha': Abdullah
Centre can impose President's rule: Jethmalani
Kashmir Committee wants election postponed

Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2002: The complete coverage

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