New Delhi - APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq met Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit on Sunday to discuss the Kashmir issue in context of the recently concluded secretary-level talks between Pakistan and India, reported Hindustan Times, quoting sources..
According to the sources, ‘Various aspects of the ongoing political developments in Kashmir and with regards to the foreign secretary-level talks were discussed’.
On reaching Delhi, Mirwaiz, who is leading a team of seven members to participate in the Pakistan Day celebrations on Monday, said, “It is important that you understand if we have to end violence, Kashmir cannot have a military solution… Hurriyat primarily believes that Kashmir is a political problem… Let some political initiative be taken. We are ready to support that process.” He added that Indian and Pakistani prime ministers should meet to resolve the Kashmir issue.
He tweeted after the meet: “Want to act as a bridge btwn both countries but it’s possible only when ways will be opened to solve the prob of J&K”.
Basit is likely to meet hardline Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Geelani who is also set to attend Pakistan Day, on March 24.
“We have apprehensions and concerns about the new BJP dispensation in J&K, and will discuss it with Pakistan. This government is no different from the past ones and its aim is to consolidate occupation in the state. We fear Mufti Muhammad Sayeed could prove more dangerous,” said hardline Hurriyat spokesperson Akbar.
The meetings come a fortnight after Basit had gone to the Delhi residence of Ali Shah Geelani and updated him about the talks. However New Delhi has maintained all issues between Pakistan and India should be addressed through bilateral talks only.