Troop cut: Hurriyat, PDP in race

The Hurriyat perceive it as a PDP bid to hijack the moderate separatist agenda. They are also wary of a backlash from the hardline Hurriyat led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani on the issue.

The moderates have decided on an elaborate campaign to create public awareness on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf8217;s four-point proposals, with the accent on withdrawal of troops. Mirwaiz, in a joint session of the Hurriyat executive and working committee, said the grouping would launch a full-fledged campaign to get people on board 8220;the flexible, fresh proposals for the resolution of Kashmir8221;.

The dates for the campaign are yet to be decided.

Mirwaiz feels the peace process could get the right start with demilitarisation. 8220;This big Kashmir-specific CBM could bring relief to the state8217;s people and thereby make the process relevant to them,8221; Mirwaiz said.