New Delhi: Kashmir separatist leaders including Shabir Shah and Hurriyat Conference on August 4 welcomed the formation of Kashmir Committee led by former Law Minister Ram Jethmalani and hoped that it would work in tandem with the aspirations of the people of the state.

Shah, who heads Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, said that the committee should rope in as many separatists to find a meaningful and everlasting solution to the Kashmir problem.

"The Centre and Pakistan government should allow the Kashmir Committees on both sides of the border to interact with each other and help evolving a solution for lasting peace in the state," he said.

Asked specifically about the invitation extended by the committee to him and other separatist leaders for a dialogue, Shah said, "I am ready but let it formally be communicated to me by the committee."

He also extended an invitation to all committee members to visit Kashmir and assess the situation.

Welcoming the formation of the committee, Hurriyat spokesman Abdul Majid Bandey said the amalgam expressed complete faith in it as it was not a government committee but formed by noted intellectuals in their individual capacity.

Asked whether there was any move for the amalgam to contest the forthcoming elections, Bandey said, "We have stated that we have no faith in Election Commission and would like international observers."

PTI