Srinagar: Terming Pakistan's decision to lift ban on Indian over-flights as a "welcome step", both factions of Hurriyat Conference today (Nov 30) said the focus should now be on resolving the Kashmir issue.

"It is a welcome step signalling progress in the peace process", between India and Pakistan but this was not enough and more steps needed to be taken to resolve the Kashmir issue, Hurriyat chairman Maulana Mohammad Abbas Ansari told reporters in Srinagar.

Opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road and allowing Kashmiris to travel freely across the line of control (LoC) would also lead to better ties between the two countries, he said.

A dialogue between all concerned parties was necessary for resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with wishes and aspirations of the people, Ansari said.

Welcoming the Pakistani move, rebel Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani said the focus should now be on resolving Kashmir issue.

Restoration of flights was welcome but "we have to ponder over the reasons which led to their snapping in the first place," he said.

PTI