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Kashmiris pin hopes on SAARC meeting

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR DEC. 30. The people of Kashmir in general, as also the separatists and mainstream politicians, are hoping that the coming SAARC meeting in Islamabad will find a way to bring peace to Jammu and Kashmir.

The hardliner Jamat-e-Islami ideologue and chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference(G), Syed Ali Shah Geelani, has said he is optimistic. ``I wish the meeting is held in a cordial atmosphere,'' Mr Geelani told The Hindu on the sidelines of a book release function organised by the Muslim League.``Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee should translate into reality his Srinagar announcement of April 18 and talk to the Pakistani leadership to find a peaceful and permanent solution to the [Kashmir] problem''.

Since leaders of both the countries would have an opportunity to meet, it was obligatory for them to discuss the Kashmir issue.

The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chief, Shabir Shah, said a conducive atmosphere had been building.``I think leaders of not only the two countries, but all the SAARC members will work towards a peaceful settlement in Kashmir... Both the countries were moving forward very positively and we should not be pessimistic about the results even if it took time.''The ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) is organising a peace rally here on January 1 in support of the peace initiative.The PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, hoped that at the SAARC summit the two countries would announce the opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road. ``It is because of the people that the peace process is being pursued'' she said.Noorul Amin, a leading trader at Poloview market, said he yearned for peace so that Kashmir could regain its lost glory. ``This conference can help achieve that goal.''

Said Wajahat Khurshid, a human rights student: ``They have not shifted from their basic stand. But still, the atmosphere looks conducive for talks, though a solution to the Kashmir problem could be elusive.''But for Mohammad Amin, a trader in Poloview area, the summit is a major breakthrough in the relations between the two countries.

``It is yet another good beginning and I hope it will move ahead.''

There are, however, some who do not share the bright outlook. ``I do not have any expectations'' said Zahiruddin, a journalist with a local daily, Greater Kashmir.

``I think New Delhi has again taken an unrealistic stand and set the condition that some [terrorist] infrastructure must be dismantled and I believe it will not lead anywhere.''

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