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Hurriyat will respond positively
to fresh proposal for talks

Hurriyat Conference on Tuesday said it will have a positive response to any fresh proposal from the Centre for talks, provided "a deeper sense for resolving the dispute was exhibited" by the government.

"The earlier invitation has become redundant after the Agra summit. But if there is a new initiative from the Centre, which is aimed at solving the dispute, we will respond in a positive manner," former Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq told PTI.

The Mirwaiz, who is a part of the Hurriyat team camping in the capital to meet representatives of various embassies, said his organisation has always been in favour of evolving a mechanism under which the vexed Kashmir issue can be resolved.

Asked about the alarming increase in suicide attacks in the Valley, the Mirwaiz said: "Suicide attacks are a part of the strategy of the militants and we have nothing to say on it. But yes, Hurriyat Conference is of the firm belief that no innocent should be killed either by the militants or the security forces."

Commenting on the discordant voices emerging from the amalgam over the US-led air strikes on Afghanistan, he said: "Hurriyat Conference is united in condemning the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, but at the same time we do not adhere to or support the attacks on innocent people in Afghanistan."

Asked specifically about the pro-Taleban speeches by a senior Hurriyat member, Farooq said: "This will be his personal view."

About the attacks on Afghanistan, he said: "The United States and Britain should exercise a deeper sense of accommodation and pursue a serious diplomatic and political channel in this matter."

PTI

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