Message Board

Is US using the Kashmir issue to try and get a permanent foothold in South Asia? Post your views

Srinagar: Two days after visiting Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Fazl-ur Rehman favoured Simla agreement to be the basis for future dialogue between India and Pakistan, the Hurriyat Conference on July 19 said it was not opposed to the accord, but maintained Kashmiris should be involved in any talks between the two countries to resolve Kashmir issue.

"Hurriyat is not against Shimla agreement, but there are three important issues which have to be addressed," the 25-party amalgam said in a statement.

First, the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir be taken note of, it said adding there should be a time-frame for resolving the problem involving the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

Thirdly, the statement said, Kashmiris should be accepted as the basic party to the issue and involved in the talks.

The Hurriyat said it wanted a sound, final and permanent solution to Kashmir issue.

On July 17, Rehman told reporters in Delhi that Simla agreement should be the guiding principle between the two countries in resolving Kashmir issue.

"Both the countries have signed this agreement to resolve all their disputes bilaterally," he had said.

PTI