Track II diplomacy on Kashmir reactivated

Track II diplomacy on Kashmir reactivated

‘Green signal from both India, Pakistan’

Srinagar, Feb 4 (KNS): To seek a peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue, track II diplomacy has been reactivated with Kashmir Committee head and former Union Law Minister, Ram Jeth Malani taking lead role this time.Sources told KNS that Jeth Malani motivated Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani to meet number of former diplomats, army officers and politicians at the former’s Akbar Road residence in New Delhi on Friday evening.“The surprise visitor in the meeting was film actor and BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha. Geelani held a brief chat with Sinha and both the leaders discussed several aspects of Kashmir issue,” sources told KNS.Among others Kamal Sibal, Shanti Bushan and N N Jha were also present in the meeting. “It is for the first time since 2010 that track II diplomats have become active on Kashmir.

Government of India wants to engage separatist leadership in Kashmir for talks and for that track II diplomacy has been reactivated,” sources added.Kashmir Committee member, Madhu Kishwar told KNS that they have green signal from both India and Pakistan. “There could be vested interests on both the sides. But majority of the people want solution of the problem. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wants an honorable solution of the problem,” she said.

“It is just a beginning and we want to take it to logical conclusion,” she added.

Asked what logical conclusion means, Kishwar said, “India, Pakistan and Kashmir should sit and find an honorable solution of the problem. We are in constant touch with Pakistani leadership also.”

On Geelani’s yesterdays’ meeting, she said, “He (Geelani) isn’t hardcore. He came on our invitation. He told us that he was against any kind of violence and wants Kashmiri Pandits back to Kashmir. His statement is positive.”

In yesterday’s meeting, sources said, Geelani urged Sinha and other people present in the meeting that they should help Kashmiris to get their basic rights. “Your (Indian) leadership had promised with us that we would be given our rights. Now you should fulfill the promises of your leadership,” sources quoting Geelani told KNS.

“Jethmalani urged both countries to show flexibility so that talks would resume. Kashmiri leaders and India will have to give up rigidity to resolve the Kashmir issue once for all. Both the parties have to soften their stand to reach on some consensus,” Jethamali according to sources told Geealni.