Monday, April 18 2005 22:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has flayed the opposition to Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Geelani and militant groups and told the separatist outfits to consider India's offer for talks saying this could lead to trilateral dialogue.

Asserting that the bus service was agreed to after gauging the popular demand for it on both sides of LoC (Line of Control), Musharraf told the Pakistan media before leaving for Delhi to Manila that he has not understood the logic behind the opposition to the bus link.

"If someone still is against it, talks about only solution.. well, we are heading for solution. What is the logic behind it? This is the demand by people. We have assessed the demands of the people...This a popular move, they want to travel and want to meet relatives. If someone opposes, what is the issue? What to do? he said in the media briefing telecast by state-owned PTV.

Replying to a question about demand for including Kashmiris in talks, Musharraf dropped an open hint for the Hurriyat leaders saying they should use their "brain" and join the talks with India and Pakistan separately as it is the step in the direction of trilateral talks.

"One side (India) is not accepting (trilateral talks). We have no option but to talk. Let us talk. Begin talks. I left no doubt that without their (Kashmiris) wishes there cannot be a solution. We have to include them in talks sometime or the other," Musharraf said.

"Gilani Sahib knows this. Still, he is saying (what he is saying). They (Indians) say why don't you tell them to meet (us). I bluntly said why should I tell them to meet (you). I too want to meet. If I am not allowed to meet them, then why should I tell them to meet? They agreed. So, the meeting took place"

"I said if you are allowing (Hurriyat to meet Pakistan), then you also meet. In my view, this is inclusion of dialogue process. They (Hurriyat) do not understand this. Use your brain and move forward and think 'yaar'. Open your mind and sitting together is not everything," the Pakistan President said.