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Hurriyat wants political dialogue on
J&K dispute to commence

Malik said, "We do not doubt the government's sincerity, but only time can tell. Pakistani government has also responded positively and we welcome the gesture, but we want political dialogue to be initiated to resolve the Kashmir dispute."

"The peace process should work. None (India, Pakistan or Hurriyat) has tried to discourage it," Malik said in an interview to Darasal programme to be telecast on Sunday on Doordarshan News.

Stating that the entire leadership of the Hurriyat Conference had welcomed the ceasefire offer, Malik said, "It is necessary to start a purposeful dialogue to solve the Kashmir affair in order to have peace in South Asia."

"In this regard, Hurriyat leaders have also said that they would like to go to Pakistan and speak to mujahideen leaders so that a peaceful atmosphere can be created for a genuine political dialogue," Malik was quoted as saying in a release by the producer of the programme, New Delhi Communication Network.

Asked whether Hurriyat leaders wanted to visit Pakistan as 'mediators', Malik replied, "Hurriyat is not playing the role of a mediator. People of J&K are party to the dispute. We want to go to Pakistan to talk to the mujahideen leadership there about creating a peaceful atmosphere for genuine political dialogue."

"Without taking them into confidence, the entire process would be meaningless," Malik said.

Asked about New Delhi's refusal for tripartite talks on the J&K issue with Pakistan, Malik said, "Talks are not priority. We have to create a peaceful atmosphere."

Equating Vajpayee with slain Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, Malik said he wished Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee played the same role as 'Rabin played between Arab and Israel. It was believed that the problem would never get solved'.

Asked whether Kashmiri Pandits should be included in this peace process, Malik said, "Kashmiri Pandits are part of Kashmir. They are residents of Kashmir. They have every right to live in Kashmir. There will be no discrimination between Hindus and Muslims and everybody will enjoy equal rights."

He also disapproved of suggestions that the militancy was hijacked by foreign mercenaries saying, "Ninety per cent people in the struggle are Kashmiris."

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