Thursday, June 2 2005 11:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Separatist Kashmiri leaders embarked on a historic maiden journey to Muzaffarabad by road this morning (Jun 2, 2005) for talks with Pakistani leaders, terming it as a "big step" in peace process to resolve the half-century old Kashmir issue.

A seven-member delegation of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference led by its chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yassen Malik left for the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in their own vehicles for Kaman post, the last stop on the Indian side.

Shortly before leaving, Mirwaiz said the visit to Pakistan was big step in the peace process and it could form the basis for a "triangular dialogue" between India, Pakistan and the Hurriyat Conference.

Caravan-e-Aman

Meanwhile, the Government-run Srinagar-Muzaffarabad, 'Caravan-e-Aman' bus also departed for PoK with 22 passengers.

Mirwaiz said a peace process has been initiated and India and Pakistan have realized that Kashmir issue cannot be resolved without the involvement of Kashmiris.

Triangular Dialogue

He however cautioned the people not to attach high hopes with the visit. "People should not expect we will bring a solution to Kashmir issue with us but a process has been started and it (visit) should be seen in that perspective."

During their stay in Muzaffarabad and Islamabad the Hurriyat delegation will interact with people from all walks of life and of all ideologies.

"More importantly we would like to interact with the Government of Pakistan and Azad (PoK) Kashmir so that we can reach a consensus on how to proceed on the path of peace and finding durable solution to Kashmir issue," he said.

United Jehad Council

Asked about refusal of United Jehad Council, an amalgam of several militant outfits based in PoK headed by Syed Salahuddin, to meet them, he said, "We are open to meet all those who want to meet us and find a way for resolving the Kashmir issue."

Former Hurriyat chairman Prof Abdul Gani Bhat told reporters that Hurriyat would like to resume the dialogue process with the Centre upon their return from Pakistan.

The separatist leaders, who have decided to travel in their own vehicles upto the Kaman post and join the passengers there, earlier arrived at the Hurriyat headquarters in Rajbagh in a procession from their houses.

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman, Yaseen Malik, was also given a warm send-off by his party workers from the organisation office at Maisuma.

Security all along the 12- km route has been tightened to avoid any untoward incident.