Srinagar: The moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference today appealed to India and Pakistan to shun the path of hostility and resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir dispute, for lasting peace in the region.

"We urge both India and Pakistan to give up the path of confrontation and initiate meaningful dialogue for resolution of pending issues, including Kashmir," a spokesman of the group said after its executive committee meeting here.

The meeting, attended by all the seven executive members, was the first since Assembly elections in which separatists boycott calls were ignored by voters.

"Hurriyat is concerned over the tension prevailing between India and Pakistan. Such a situation is not in favour of peace in the sub-continent," he said.

On Kashmir issued he said, "Peace cannot be guaranteed in the region till the Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state."

The meeting discussed the prevailing political situation in the state and the status of the ongoing freedom struggle.

Expressing concern over Israeli strikes in Gaza, the Hurriyat said return of peace to the middle-east depended on the resolution of Palestinian issue.

The group headed by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq demanded the immediate release of its leaders arrested ahead of polls and booked under Public Safety Act.
Source : PTI