In NY, I will tell General to take ten more steps: Mirwaiz

These remarks assume significance given that Singh had told the Hurriyat that they, too, had a responsibility in bringing about an end to violence which would then provide the most conducive atmosphere for a troop reduction.

It was this that the Mirwaiz underlined. ‘‘Prime Minister Singh assured us that he would address all issues, including the dignity of Kashmiris. He gave a clear assurance about troop reduction. Now when I meet President Musharraf, I will try to put forth our viewpoint so that we strengthen the process between India and Pakistan.’’

Without referring to a ceasefire, Mirwaiz did signal that he would tell Musharraf to help ensure that violence doesn’t derail the ‘‘political debate on Kashmir issue between Hurriyat, New Delhi and Islamabad.’’

Sources close to Mirwaiz told The Indian Express that the Hurriyat doves expected a ‘‘strongly positive outcome’’ from the Mirwaiz-Musharraf meeting. ‘‘Islamabad knows what needs to be done now,’’ said the source, ‘‘we have to tell them that the time has come.’’

Earlier, the Hurriyat doves had a ‘‘productive’’ meeting with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. ‘‘It was a courtesy call,’’ Mirwaiz said. ‘‘She told us she whole-heartedly supports the Prime Minister’s efforts. She told us she is well aware of the importance of this process and will lend all her help to make it successful.’’

Mirwaiz said that Sonia Gandhi also talked about her family’s deep-rooted and historic ties with Kashmir. ‘‘She recalled when she would go to Kashmir with her family. She told us that her family was always emotionally attached to Kashmir,’’ he said.

A four-member Hurriyat team, led by Mirwaiz, met Sonia at her 10 Janpath residence. Former chairman Maulana Abbas Ansari could not attend as he had left for Srinagar.