India, Pakistan must include Kashmiris in dialogue: Mirwaiz

Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today said India and Pakistan should “evolve a mechanism to include the people of Kashmir in the proposed composite dialogue”.
Speaking to media persons before leaving for New Delhi to attend the Pakistan Day function, Mirwaiz said the APHC had always stood for cordial ties between the two countries. “We believe that instead of confrontation, there should be coordination between the two countries to put the entire subcontinent on the path of peace, progress and stability. For that to happen, steps need to be taken for resolving the core issue of Kashmir between the two countries, keeping the wishes and aspirations of the people in mind,” he said.
“The two countries must evolve a mechanism to include the people of Kashmir in the proposed composite dialogue. The participation of Kashmiris in any dialogue on Kashmir is a necessity for these talks to bear fruit,” Mirwaiz added.
He expressed hope that the political leadership of the two countries would take a clear stand so that decks are cleared for the resolution of all issues, including Kashmir.
The separatist leader also expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for “helping people of Kashmir and supporting them at the political, diplomatic and moral levels”.