Hurriyat takes a tentative step to peace offer

Later a spokesperson of the Hurriyat said 8220;the Hurriyat will participate in any such political process which is aimed at a meaningful, durable and result oriented solution of the Kashmir8221;.

Adding that if the declaration of ceasefire by Indian Prime Minister constitutes a headway, then such a move can certainly lead to a positive change in India8217;s thinking.

However, it said Kashmir was not the internal issue of India and its statuswas disputed. 8220;The restoration of the peace is not possible unless fullattention is focused for a lasting solution to this issue,8221; the spokesman said. Stressing that for the sake of peace in South-Asia, a political process should take place among the concerned parties.

None of the executives spoke to the press. Syed Ali Shah Geelani and MoulviAbbas Ansari evaded reporters at the APHC headquarters and said a statement would be circulated. Hurriyat Chairman Abdul Gani Bhat was also noncommittal.

Observers said by asking for talks with the leadership of India, Pakistan and the mujahideen, the secessionist coalition wants to play safe and, unlike in August, avoid the kind of confusion when it called the Hizbul Mujahideen ceasefire offer a decision in haste.

Today8217;s response has once again highlighted Hurriyat8217;s weakness not go antagonise mujahideen who have disapproved the ceasefire by the Centre. The Hurriyat8217;s dilemma stems from the fact that Pakistan, which is well represented in Hurriyat, looms large during decisions. The Hizbul ceasefire which was called hasty by it, sources said, was done by pro-Pakistan executives.

Pakistan, yesterday, described the ceasefire offer as a tactical ploy by India.

Hurriyat held hectic parleys at Geelani8217;s residence yesterday where the members discussed Abdul Gani Lone8217;s response. Lone had welcomed the ceasefire but he was quick to point that it was his personal opinion.