Mehbooba wants Hizbul for dialogue

Such talks, she said, would push the peace process in a positive direction. ‘‘The talks will be beneficial for both the Centre and the Hizbul,’’ she said. Mehbooba also sought the inclusion of other separatist groups in the process.

Reacting to the PDP chief’s remarks, former Hurriyat chairman Maulvi Abbas Ansari said: ‘‘If the Hizbul Mujahideen is also involved in the talk process, we would welcome it… We must try to solve the problems by dialogue, gun is no solution now.’’

National Congress president Omar Abdullah said before bringing the Hizbul on board, the government should first ensure a conducive atmosphere for talks.

Abdullah alleged that ‘‘on one side Hizb commanders are being eliminated by the government, and on the other, the PDP president is advocating for their participation in the talk process’’.

He added that ‘‘if commanders get killed then who is going to talk with the Centre… We are never against the inclusion of Hizbul Mujahideen in the talks.’’