Sunday, February 12 2006 14:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Praising the Centre for initiating the peace process in Kashmir, National Conference President Omar Abdullah has said that the issue needs a 'means-based' solution.

"It is not a question of 'when' but a question of 'how' we bring peace in Kashmir. If our 'how' is right, 'when' would follow soon," Abdullah said at a seminar 'Peace in Kashmir-When and How' organised by an NGO here recently.

While maintaining that his party was not against holding talks with separatist groups, Abdullah said the Centre should also hold discussions with the elected representatives as well.

Echoing this need to broaden the scope of the talks, Panun Kashmir Chairman Ajay Charangoo said, 'a broad debate which seeks representation of every section of society in Jammu and Kashmir is necessary'.

He said, "Kashmir doesn't only account for the Valley but includes all parts of it and people from each and every corner matter".

Abdullah concurred, saying, "I consider Kashmir as a whole, the one which existed in 1947. We are forgetting the most important Northern Part of Kashmir which has no representation in any talks".

Urging people to criticise government policies in connection with the Kashmir issue if they found them unsatisfactory, the panelists unanimously opined that efforts to reach an amicable solution should not be restricted or limited in any way.

Other panel members at the seminar included Panun Kashmir Chairman Ajay Charangoo and Radha Kumar, Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Jawaharlal Nehru University here.