Srinagar: Two major Kashmiri separatist groups Hurriyat Conference and Shabir Shah-
led Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) on March 28 welcomed the joint statement of the
US and Britain that they are willing to help India and Pakistan iron out their
differences.
"It is a very positive step. US mediation in resolving the Kashmir issue will be of
great help," senior Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told reporters in
Srinagar.
However, Mirwaiz was critical of Washington and London for waging an "unjust" war on
Iraq. But he was quick to add that the two issues could not be talked about in the
same
breath.
"We cannot compare the war on Iraq and the Kashmir dispute but the US and the UK
should put an end to the brutal carnage they have unleashed on innocent people of
Iraq," he said.
Shabir Ahmad Shah, welcoming the statement, said it has been an established fact now
that only a dialogue could resolve conflicts and disputes.
"Though the US and UK are involved in a war on Iraq, we welcome the statement issued
by their foreign secretaries. It is a move in the positive direction," Shah
said. "The US
involvement in Kashmir issue can lead to a long-lasting and durable peace in the
subcontinent."
"India should take the initiative to kick start the talks as Pakistan has always
been asking for one to end the imbroglio," he added.
PTI
