The Hindu : Ceasefire needed for talks: Ansari

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 16, 2003

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Ceasefire needed for talks: Ansari

By Luv Puri

Jammu Nov. 15. Terming a dialogue between the Union Government and the separatists as important for solving the Kashmir issue, the All-Party Hurriyat Conference(APHC) chairman, Moulvi Abbas Ansari, has said that a ceasefire in the State was a "political necessity" before this can take place.

Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Ansari said, "The dialogue process has to start in an environment of peace and congeniality. This is the correct way to work out a historic solution to the vexed Kashmir issue which is layered with complexities. We have to work to make the civilians of the State feel secure and ensure that the fear of the gun does not exist."

On the agenda of talks with the Centre, he said, "I know the issue is a complex one but we all have to be patient to carve out a just and equitable solution to the problem respecting the sentiments of the people of the State. We will accept an agenda which has a political dimension and is clear in its approach. Only in this way can peace be restored in the State. The response would be positive if the agenda is sincere and there is no question of our shying away from talks."

He said the Hurriyat had been consistent in its approach and an open mind about talks with the Centre.

It was awaiting the agenda and as soon as it was received, the executive council would discuss it and devise an appropriate strategy, he added.

Asked whether the Hurriyat would appeal to the militants to agree to a ceasefire, Mr. Ansari said, "Let a concrete proposal come from the Central Government. We would definitely make an appeal to them for a ceasefire. Similarly, a ceasefire from the Government side would send a positive signal to the people of the State."

Mr. Ansari appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to consider returning home.

"We are incomplete without the Pandits and their exit from the State was a big setback to the rich Kashmiri civilisation which has a proud history of 5000 years. It is the harmonious existence of diversity in Kashmiri society which we want to restore."

Mufti's plea

PTI reports from London:

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, has favoured visits of Pakistanis to the State, as it would expose Islamabad's ``mischievous propaganda.''

``We are not the captives of security forces, but a free people. Let there be regular flow of people visiting Kashmir from Pakistan and its occupied Kashmir as we have nothing to hide. In fact, they would see with their own eyes the flowering democracy in Kashmir,'' Mr. Sayeed said in reply to questions from Pakistani journalists after delivering a lecture on ``A New Future for Kashmir — Prospects, Renewal and Growth.''

Mr. Sayeed said he had asked the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to encourage the Pakistanis to visit Kashmir as it would help change their mindset.

He said that once the Pakistanis saw the ``flowering democracy'' and relaxed atmosphere without any visible presence of the Army, the ``mischievious propaganda'' would automatically die down.

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