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Now, PoK ex-president hails Vajpayee initiative

Sardar Abdul Qayyum, a former president of PoK and chief of the J&K Muslim Conference party, said, "Vajpayee is in a position to bring about a solution to the lingering Kashmir crisis."

"We must recognise that no one else, save Vajpayee, could announce the ceasefire in Kashmir, which in fact is a big, purposeful step on his part. Let us strengthen his (Vajpayee's) hands so that he can work for a solution to the Kashmir issue," he said.

Qayyum's statement appeared to be a thinly veiled appeal to Islamic militant groups causing mayhem in J&K.

Earlier, J&K Liberation Front chairman Amanullah Khan, who is also based in Muzaffarabad, came out in support of the prime minister's initiative.

Qayyum said he was 'hopeful' the proposed visit to Pakistan by members of the Hurriyat Conference would contribute to the peace process.

"But people must bear in mind that the conflict cannot be resolved overnight," he said. He cautioned mujahideen (religious warriors) groups and others to beware of elements which 'may try to subvert peace moves' and urged Hurriyat leaders to move 'cautiously and pragmatically' and avoid raising unrealistic hopes of a settlement.

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Government initiated ceasefire in J&K

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