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Mirwaiz ready for unconditional talks with Centre

The former chairman of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, has reiterated that the Kashmir issue can only be resolved through talks.

"We in the Hurriyat firmly believe that the resolution of [the] Kashmir dispute is possible through a peaceful and meaningful dialogue among the parties and use of violence from any side can complicate rather than resolve the issue," he said in Srinagar on Friday

"We are also aware of [the] changing global scenario [following the September 11 attack in the US] and its impact on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In the changed atmosphere, Kashmiri people can promote their cause only by peaceful struggle," he added.

He appealed to the militant groups to shun the path of violence and cooperate in the peaceful resolution of the issue.

"We hope the other actors involved would also understand these realities and, respecting the international opinion, will help take constructive measures to put the Kashmir issue on the track of resolution," he said.

The Mirwaiz also expressed his willingness to hold unconditional talks with the Centre.

"The interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir lies in the immediate cessation of hostilities on all sides and the commencement of a meaningful and structured dialogue. [The] Hurriyat is ready for a constructive and meaningful dialogue with the Government of India without any preconditions and for the permanent resolution of the issue."

But there seems to be no change in the Hurriyat's stand on the issue of participating in the upcoming assembly election in the state.

"We are ready to participate in an election if it can pave the way for a permanent settlement of the issue. Mere change in the government is not a purpose for us to join an election process," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2002: The complete coverage

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