Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 22: Even as the governments of India and Pakistan are yet to confirm on any possible talks between the two countries, the Kashmir politicians are out to support something that has even yet not been confirmed.
On mere chances of Foreign minister level talks between India and Pakistan in September, the Kashmiri leaders including separatists and the mainstream are out to make merry while the so called Joint Resistance Leadership is expected to call a formal meeting in this regard at the residence of pro-Pakistan hawk, Syed Ali Geelani in the coming days. This drama has been going on since Imran Khan took oath as Pakistani PM.
Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is also the chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, has described the possible talks "a positive development".
"It reflects of a new positivity. We hope that channels of communication will remain open to build trust. It is in the interest of Kashmir and also in the interest of the entire region if the two countries come closer and resolve the long-pending Kashmir dispute," Mirwaiz told reporters.
Peoples Democratic Party leadership has said that the two countries had made an encouraging beginning by speaking about talks. "We hope the new government in Pakistan walks the talk and gets adequate response from this side too. Jammu and Kashmir is directly hit by the hostility between the two countries and the progress in the region is held hostage to security concerns. We expect a serious dialogue to follow up the statements," a top PDP leader said in a statement.
The National Conference, on the other hand, termed the "statements of India and Pakistan a crucial development". "Dialogue needs to be taken forward. All groups will appreciate it," a top NC leader said.
Interestingly though Pakistan has itself clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not made any offer for talks, there are some in Kashmir who love to cook "Khayali Pulao."
Observers said the regional parties in Kashmir were behaving like kids. "This is childish on the part of these leaders that when even no plans have been announced on talks between India and Pakistan, these Kashmiri leaders are behaving like aap kaun mein khamkhaw and issuing irresponsible statements."
Pertinently forgetting the killing of around 50 Indian soldiers by Paksitani Army in the last few months of ceasefire violations, the Kashmiri leaders instead of seeking action against the enemy country, want friendship.
"Basically talks between India and Pakistan have often meant opening of Hawala channels and other incentives for Kashmiri leaders and this is why these beneficiaries of dialogue long for talks," said a senior official. |
