NEW DELHI, NOV 15: Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani's Lone's ``Kashmiriyat'' took a beating while chosing the menu for his son's much-publicised marriage to the daughter of POK-based separatist leader Amanullah Khan. ``I was all for wazwan (traditional Kashmiri cuisine) but I was told that Punjabis and Pakistanis have no appetite for our food,'' Lone told The Indian Express on the eve of his departure to Pakistan for the marriage.Lone admits that the government's decision to issue him a short-term (three month) passport to travel to Pakistan had helped generate a lot of goodwill. ``It has removed a sense of isolation among large number of Kashmiris who are linked to me and my party,'' Lone said. He is, however, looking forward to another passport after the marriage - - this time to travel to the US for medical treatment.The marriage of Sajjad Lone, the Pak-based businessman son of the Hurriyat leader and journalist Asma Khan, is turning into a high-profile affair with both Lone and Amanullah Khan, parents of the to-be-wedded couple - - known for their penchant for making grandiose gestures. Amanullah Khan's guests from Kashmir include a number of Kashmiri Hindus. Lone's list for the gala reception after the wedding is a virtual who's who of Pakistani politics. It includes Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Mussharaf. Lone is also ferrying at least twenty ``baratis'' mostly journalists and friends in the media from Delhi and Srinagar.Lone said that the marriage would offer an opportunity to Kashmiris from both sides of the Line of Control to interact. ``Till today nobody was interested in involving Kashmiris in the non-governmental peace initiatves from either sides of the border,'' Lone said and expressed the hope that the gathering would turn out to be the first ``Kashmiri effort for peace and understanding between India and Pakistan''.Lone said he was unlikely to stretch his week-long trip for political activities. ``For me and my family, it is only a social occasion but I would consider myself lucky if the occasion in any way improves chances of peace between India and Pakistan and brings about a lasting solution to Kashmir problem,'' Lone said.The bride Asma is, however, unlikely to come to her husband's place before spring as Lone feels right now the valley is too cold for her.
