New Delhi: Hurriyat Conference chairman Abdul Gani Bhat on July 2 said that he was not "disheartened" by rejection of his proposal for a ceasefire by the militant leadership in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) and that he would continue to strive for peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.

"I never feel upset as a consequence of one reason or the other. I am always an optimist and will always see a ray of hope across all tunnels," Bhat said in response to a question whether he felt upset over the response by militant leadership rejecting his proposal for a ceasefire.

The Hurriyat chairman was left red-faced after militants based in Pakistan including United Jehad Council led by Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin rejected any proposal for entering into a ceasefire and instead vowed to continue offensive more vigorously.

However, Bhat had a new tune. "I trust all of us will rise above hostilities, belligerence, everything else including intransigencies and proceed with courage and conviction towards a peaceful solution of the issue," he stated.

Bhat had earlier stated that he would ensure a ceasefire only if troops were sent back to the barracks, human rights violations were ended and ban on public meeting and all laws opposing humanity was withdrawn.

The Hurriyat chairman said there were only two options available, one that led to sanity and the other to disaster.

It was to be seen whether "those at the helm of affairs in New Delhi and Islamabad will rise to the occasion and work for a peaceful resolution of the issue."

PTI