Srinagar: Asserting that India and Pakistan were making progress towards resolution of the Kashmir issue, a top Hurriyat Conference leader on July 25 said in view of the present global scenario, the two countries seemed to be prepared for a lasting solution to the long-pending dispute.

"India and Pakistan seem to be prepared for a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem and the two countries have made progress in this regard," former Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq told a Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid.

"There is no doubt that they are moving towards a lasting solution and in this regard an informal dialogue has already begun, which is a satisfying development," he said referring to the talks the Pakistani delegation led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman had with Indian leaders including Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Mirwaiz, who was part of a recent Hurriyat delegation to Delhi, said, "I had a very positive and mutually beneficial talk with Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his delegation.

"The delegation assured us that they would continue their efforts for a peaceful and durable resolution of the Kashmir issue," he said, adding that the Hurriyat expressed gratitude and appreciation for their efforts.

Mirwaiz emphasised the need for unity among the separatist leadership at this "crucial juncture" to lend support to this initiative to pave the way for a solution to the Kashmir issue.

He said the time had come for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to decide whether they wanted to play a constructive role or just be silent spectators.

PTI