Mirwaiz welcomes India, Pak talking Kashmir

The decision by India and Pakistan today to discuss Kashmir issue at the foreign secretary level talks in Islamabad has positive resonance in the valley with moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed the effort to address the problem.

The decision by India and Pakistan on Friday to discuss Kashmir issue at the foreign secretary level talks in Islamabad has positive resonance in the valley with moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcoming the effort to address the problem.

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"The core source of friction and tension between India and Pakistan is the Kashmir problem. I welcome the move to address the issue," said the Mirwaiz while addressing a Friday congregation at Srinagar' biggest mosque Jamia Masjid.

Demanding a dialogue between all the three stakeholders --- India, Pakistan and Kashmiris --- the Mirwaiz said resolution to the problem will spell prosperity and development not only in India and Pakistan but also across the entire region.

"It' an accepted fact now that not only in India and Pakistan but people across the world believes that the two countries and their poor population can live a peaceful and happy life only when the Kashmir dispute is resolved," said the Mirwaiz.

Describing Kashmir problem "a serious and severe one", the Mirwaiz said, "If all stakeholders show seriousness and integrity, the problem can be solved within a time frame."

The Mirwaiz said the foreign secretary level talks should now translate into prime ministerial level talks. "I hope Kashmiris will also be included in the talks to find a lasting and peaceful solution to the problem," he said.